CA · LVG-WILL · Updated July 2026 · Free
California Living Will PDF
✓100% FREE PERSONALIZED DOCUMENT
· NO REGISTRATION· NO CREDIT CARD· NO EMAIL REQUIRED· WORD & PDF DOWNLOAD
California at a glance: Witnesses Required: 2 witnesses OR notarization · Nursing Home Rule: Requires Ombudsman signature · Governing Law: Cal. Prob. Code § 4701
Path A · Instant Blank Form
Download Blank Template
Get a print-ready template instantly. Best if you want to print and fill the document by hand. No questions, no registration.
✓Effort: Immediate (Manual fill)
✓Formats: DOCX or PDF
Path B · Recommended Choice
Build Personalized Document
Answer simple questions to customize this document. Generates all required clauses, terms, and state-specific details for California.
✦Effort: 5–10 minutes (guided wizard)
✦Outcome: Tailored PDF & editable Word file
✦Feature: Auto-saves in browser, start and stop anytime
Personalize Online →
100% Free · No registration or email required
Overview
Living Wills in California
California living wills are typically structured as a comprehensive Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD), combining medical treatment wishes and agent designations (Cal. Prob. Code § 4701).
To be valid, it must be signed by the declarant and either notarized OR signed by at least two qualified witnesses. If the declarant is in a skilled nursing facility, a state-appointed ombudsman or patient advocate must sign as one of the witnesses.
Key Facts
California Living Will — Quick Reference
| Requirement | California Rule |
|---|---|
| Witnesses Required | 2 witnesses OR notarization |
| Nursing Home Rule | Requires Ombudsman signature |
| Governing Law | Cal. Prob. Code § 4701 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
Legal Requirements
California Legal Requirements
- Must be signed by the declarant and either notarized or signed by two witnesses.
- Witnesses cannot be the designated healthcare agent, healthcare providers, or operators of community care facilities.
- If in a skilled nursing facility, an ombudsman must witness and sign a special declaration.
Governing Laws
California Governing Laws
Cal. Prob. Code § 4701
Statutory Advance Directive Form
Provides the statutory text and instructions for California's Advance Health Care Directive.
Cal. Prob. Code § 4675
Nursing Facility Patient Directive
Mandates that directives executed in skilled nursing facilities must be witnessed by a health care advocate or ombudsman.
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's California legal resources or your state legislature's official website.
Questions & Answers
California Living Will — Frequently Asked Questions
Can my designated agent sign as a witness in California?
No. Your designated healthcare representative cannot act as a witness to the signing of your Advance Directive.
What is the role of an ombudsman in California advance directives?
Under California law, if you are a patient in a skilled nursing facility, your directive is not valid unless a state ombudsman signs a witness declaration certifying you understand the document.