What is an advance directive?

An advance directive is a legal document in California that allows a person to declare how they wish to be cared for and how their health-related decisions should be made if they become unable to do so. This document is also sometimes known as a living will. It enables an individual to communicate their wishes to their loved ones, doctors, and other relevant parties regarding the end of their life care. An advance directive typically provides instruction regarding the person’s wishes regarding the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, artificial nutrition, and hydration, and other treatments. It can also outline the person’s current wishes regarding organ and tissue donation, and other end of life decisions. This document is required to be signed and witnessed in order to be legally valid. It is important to note that an advance directive is not a will, which deals with the distribution of the person’s assets upon death. It is, however, an important part of the overall estate planning process for an individual in California.

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