California Advance Health Care Directive
An Advance Health Care Directive is one of the most important legal documents an individual can have, and yet, it’s one of the most overlooked. This document gives you a voice if you become unable to speak for yourself by naming someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf and outlining your care needs and preferences. We prepare clear, legally valid health care directives that give you peace of mind and protect and plan for your wishes.
What is an Advance Health Care Directive?
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is a legal document that allows you to:
Appoint a health care agent (also known as a medical power of attorney)
State your medical care preferences in case of serious illness or incapacity
Provide instructions on end-of-life decisions, resuscitation, organ donation, and more
In California, an AHCD combines a living will and durable power of attorney for health care into one form, ensuring your medical choices are known and followed when it matters most.
What Does the Process Look Like?
Step 1: Personal Consultation
We begin by discussing your wishes and helping you understand what choices you can make in your directive. Whether you want to name a trusted agent, limit life-sustaining treatments, or include spiritual or personal values, we guide the conversation with care.
Step 2: Document Preparation
We prepare your customized Advance Health Care Directive in full compliance with California law, ensuring it includes all required statements, choices, and signatures. You review it, let us know if you want to make any changes (adding a second or third named Agent, organ donation preferences, and more). We make unlimited revisions to make sure your wishes are fully reflected on your AHCD.
Step 3: Final Appointment for Notarization and Witness Signing
Once you are 100% satisfied with your AHCD, we will set an in-person appointment to come to you and help you execute your AHCD. Because we are also a notary public in the state of California, we are able to offer our all-in-one service by notarizing your AHCD as well. Proper execution is essential for your directive to be legally recognized.
Why Choose a Paralegal for Your Health Care Directive?
Preparing an AHCD doesn’t require a lawyer, but it does need to be done right. How we can help:
Flat-fee, affordable pricing with no hidden costs
Accurate preparation of legally compliant forms
Mobile notary services for hospitals, care homes, or private residences
Compassionate support and step-by-step guidance
Experience with advance directive forms used across California’s medical systems
FAQ: Is an Advance Health Care Directive the same as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)?
No. A DNR is a specific medical order that must be signed by a doctor. An AHCD outlines broader medical wishes and allows you to appoint someone to speak for you. You can include preferences about resuscitation in your directive, but a DNR must be created separately with your physician.
Did You Know?
As long as you're mentally able, you can update your Advance Health Care Directive at any time as long as you're mentally capable. It’s a good idea to review your directive every few years or after major life changes like illness, divorce, or the death of a named agent.
A Peace of Mind Knowing Your Wishes Are Honored
An Advance Health Care Directive is a critical part of planning for your future and protecting your health care wishes. At Paralegal-Ease & Notary, LLC, we’re here to simplify the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get your wishes in writing.
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