California Advance Directive
California Living Will Generator
In California, sign your advance health care directive and either have it notarized OR signed by two qualified adult witnesses.
Living will requirements in California
California uses a combined Advance Health Care Directive that can include both your treatment wishes (the living will portion) and the appointment of a health care agent. It is governed by the California Health Care Decisions Law.
What makes California flexible is the signing method: you can either sign in front of a notary public or in front of two qualifying adult witnesses. Many Californians choose witnesses for convenience, but notarization is equally valid.
Once signed, give copies to your physician, your named agent, and family so the directive can be found quickly in an emergency.
Reference: California Probate Code §4670 et seq.. This is general educational information, not legal advice — confirm current California requirements before signing.
Who cannot witness in California
- Your health care agent cannot be a witness.
- At least one witness must not be related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, and must not be entitled to any part of your estate.
- Your treating health care provider (and their employees) generally cannot witness.
- Patients in a skilled nursing facility also need a patient advocate or ombudsman as an additional witness.
How to create your California living will
- 1. Open the iRunDocs living will generator with California selected as your governing state.
- 2. Enter your details and treatment preferences using the guided questions.
- 3. Review the PDF preview, then download your document.
- 4. Sign it following California's requirements above, and give copies to your agent, doctor, and family.
Frequently asked questions
Does a California living will need to be notarized?
Not necessarily. California accepts either notarization OR two qualified adult witnesses. You only need one of the two methods, not both.
Who can witness a living will in California?
Any competent adult, except your health care agent. At least one witness must not be related to you or entitled to your estate, and your treating provider generally cannot witness.
Is a living will the same as an advance directive in California?
California combines them: the Advance Health Care Directive can contain your treatment preferences (the living will part) and appoint a health care agent (the power-of-attorney part).
Living will requirements in other states
iRunDocs provides document tools and educational information. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.