Medical Power of Attorney | Advance Health Care Directive in California
What Is an Advance Health Care Directive?
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is one of the most important legal documents an individual can have, and yet, it’s one of the most overlooked. It combines two essential tools (1) a Health Care Power of Attorney, and (2) a Living Will, into one legally recognized form in California. This document gives you a voice if you become unable to speak for yourself by naming someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf and outlining your care needs and preferences. We prepare clear, legally valid health care directives that give you peace of mind and protect and plan for your wishes.
How Does an AHCD work?
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) serves two primary purposes:
Appointing a Health Care Agent
You choose a trusted individual, such as a spouse, family member, or close friend, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. This person becomes your voice and advocate during times when you cannot speak for yourself.Outlining Your Medical Preferences
You can include clear instructions about the kind of medical care you do or do not want. This may involve decisions about life-sustaining treatment, pain management, organ donation, end-of-life care, and other personal health care matters.
By putting your wishes in writing, an AHCD eliminates confusion and conflict during critical medical situations. It ensures your values are honored and that your care reflects your personal choices, even if you are unable to communicate them.
Why Every Adult Should Have a Health Care Directive in California
Medical emergencies can happen without warning. Illness, injury, or age-related conditions may leave you unable to express your wishes. An Advance Health Care Directive allows your loved ones and medical providers to clearly understand your preferences and know who has the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf. Without this document in place, your family may have to go through a court process to gain permission to act for you. This can be time-consuming and create unnecessary obstacles during an already emotional and urgent situation.
How to Get an Medical POA Drafted
Schedule a free consultation:
We begin with a simple conversation to understand your goals. Whether you're planning for future medical care, facing a health-related concern, or simply want to ensure your wishes are documented, we’ll walk you through the process, timeline, and flat-rate pricing. In most cases, we can prepare your Advance Health Care Directive within 3–4 days.Customized Drafting Process:
Based on your wishes and instructions, we will prepare an AHCD that clearly reflects your healthcare preferences and appoints your chosen agent. This includes:
• Designation of your primary health care agent and any alternate agents, along with their order of succession
• Whether you want to include detailed medical instructions or prefer a broad grant of authority
• Specific wishes about life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and end-of-life care
• Full revision services until your AHCD reflects your wishes with complete clarity and confidenceFinal in-person Appointment:
Once your document is complete, our experienced and dual-licensed paralegal and notary will meet with you at a location that is most convenient — including residential homes, hospitals, or care facilities. We specialize in working with elderly clients and those with limited mobility or health challenges, ensuring a smooth and legally valid signing. We also help you coordinate witnesses to ensure your AHCD is executed in full compliance with California law.
Why Choose a Paralegal for Your Advance Health Care Directive?
An AHCD is a critical legal document. There’s a lot of information (and misinformation) online, getting your medical POA done right, and it requires more than just downloading a random template. If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable way to create a legally compliant Health Care Directive in California, working with a qualified paralegal is a smart and stress-free choice. We remove the overwhelm and stress out of the situation by providing:
Transparent flat-rate pricing with notarization included
Personalized, step-by-step support from start to finish
Custom AHCD to fit your needs. No guessing with generic online templates
Convenient notary and witness coordination provided
Mobile services available. We can come to you or your loved one at a hospital, care facility, or home
Experienced with elderly clients and those who need extra assistance during signing and notarization
Expertise in local requirements for courts located in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego and Ventura county.
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a medical need, we’re here to help you protect your wishes and ensure your care is guided by the people and values that matter most to you.
FAQ: Is an Advance Health Care Directive the same as a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)?
No. A DNR is a specific medical order that must be signed by a doctor. An AHCD outlines broader medical wishes and allows you to appoint someone to speak for you. You can include preferences about resuscitation in your directive, but a DNR must be created separately with your physician.
Did You Know?
As long as you're mentally able, you can update your Advance Health Care Directive at any time as long as you're mentally capable. It’s a good idea to review your directive every few years or after major life changes like illness, divorce, or the death of a named agent.
A Peace of Mind Knowing Your Wishes Are Honored
An Advance Health Care Directive is a critical part of planning for your future and protecting your health care wishes. At Paralegal-Ease & Notary, LLC, we’re here to simplify the process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get your wishes in writing.
Find answers fast by typing keywords into the search field below:
or, give us a call at (714) 248-6064
