Living Will in California
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
California recognizes advance health care directives (living wills); one witness or notarization required.
How California treats Living Will
California's Advance Health Care Directive law (Cal. Prob. Code § 4600 et seq.) allows you to document your end-of-life wishes in a single document that also names a healthcare agent. You must sign your directive in the presence of one witness and a notary public, or before two witnesses (one of whom cannot be your healthcare agent or a healthcare provider). Your directive takes effect immediately for healthcare decisions but applies to end-of-life treatment only when you lack capacity. California recognizes both written directives and oral statements to healthcare providers.
The general definition of Living Will
A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.
A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.
Read the full Living Will entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.