Living Will · California
California Living Will Form (2026)
California’s living will is the statutory Advance Health Care Directive (Probate Code §4701), which combines a health care agent, end-of-life instructions, organ donation and a primary physician. It must be signed by two qualified adult witnesses or acknowledged before a notary public.
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California living will: key facts
- Document
- Advance Health Care Directive (Probate Code §4701)
- Law / official form
- Probate Code §4701 statutory form (optional; it may be used or modified). Execution: §4673; witnesses: §4674.
- Witnesses
- Two adults. Not your agent, your health care provider or its employee, or the operator/employee of a community care or residential care facility for the elderly. At least one must not be a relative or heir.
- Notary
- A notary can replace the two witnesses. In a skilled nursing facility, a patient advocate or ombudsman must also sign, even with a notary.
- Health care agent in the same document?
- Yes — Part 1 (agent), Part 2 (instructions), Part 3 (donation), Part 4 (physician).
- Official Spanish version?
- No official Spanish form was found; our Spanish text is a reference translation.
Official sources: Cal. Probate Code §4701 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) · Last reviewed: October 2026
How it works
- Answer a few questions about you, your agent and your treatment wishes. The document follows the California form.
- See a free preview of your document.
- Unlock it with a one-time payment and download it in PDF and Word, with signing instructions for California.
- Sign it with the required witnesses (and notary, where required), then give copies to your doctor and your agent.
We recommend having your document reviewed by a licensed attorney in California. DoneDoc provides self-help forms and is not a law firm.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a California living will need to be notarized?
- A notary can replace the two witnesses. In a skilled nursing facility, a patient advocate or ombudsman must also sign, even with a notary.
- Who can witness a living will in California?
- Two adults. Not your agent, your health care provider or its employee, or the operator/employee of a community care or residential care facility for the elderly. At least one must not be a relative or heir.
- What form does California use?
- Advance Health Care Directive (Probate Code §4701). Probate Code §4701 statutory form (optional; it may be used or modified). Execution: §4673; witnesses: §4674.
- Can I change or cancel my living will later?
- Yes. You can revoke or replace it at any time while you are able to. Tell your doctor and your agent, and destroy old copies.
- Who should get a copy?
- Your doctor, your health care agent or spokesperson, your usual hospital and close family. A copy has the same effect as the original.
- Can I get it in Spanish?
- Yes. You sign the English document, and you also receive a Spanish reference translation and Spanish signing instructions. No official Spanish form was found; our Spanish text is a reference translation.