Do you worry about the future of your children? Do you want to leave your material possessions to a family member, a friend, or a charity? Whatever your reasons may be, end-of-life planning is an inevitable necessity. Creating a living will help settle your affairs upon death or if you lose your capacity to decide for yourself is a practical decision.
A living will is a legal document that allows you to express your wishes for end-of-life care if you become unable to communicate. There are several reasons to create a living will: providing direction and closure to your loved ones, avoiding conflict or disputes among family members, and limiting the emotional stress on your closest people at your death.
You’re considering creating a California Living Will, but you’re unsure if you need to have it notarized. What shall you do?
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How to Create a Living Will in California
If you are a resident of California, there are a few steps you need to take to create a living will.
The first step is to prepare the details required for your living will. This includes your full name and address, the name and address of your spouse or domestic partner, the name and address of your children (if any), the name and address of your closest relatives, and the name and address of any other person you wish to designate.
The second step is to fill out the form. The California Living Will Form must be completed with a sound mind and body and under no stress when signing the document.
Your California Living Will is now legally binding. Remember to keep it in a safe place where your designated agent can easily access it if needed. You should also provide copies to your physician, health care proxy, and any other individuals you deem necessary.
Getting Your Living Will Notarized
If you ever need to revoke or change your living will, simply destroy all existing copies and create a new one following the same steps outlined above. Be sure for your wishes to be legally binding. The form must be signed by you and two witnesses, who can be any adult except for your health care provider, an employee of your health care provider, or someone related to you by blood or marriage.
The last and most crucial step is to have the form notarized. A notary near me will witness your signature and confirm that you are the person named in the document. The notary will then attach their signature and seal to the form, making it an official legal document. Without a notarized Living Will, your estate could be handled in a way that you wouldn’t have chosen.
You may also choose to have your living will register with the California Living Will Registry. This is a voluntary service that allows first responders and medical personnel to access your living will in an emergency. There is no fee to register, and you can do so by mail or online.
Notary Near Me to Witness and Seal My Living Will
Creating a California Living Will is a smart way to prepare for the future and ensure that your wishes are carried out according to your specifications. Be sure to take all the necessary steps to make it legal and binding, including having it witnessed and notarized.
Mail Boxes Times offers notary near me services to make the process easy for you. We can help you get your Living Will witnessed and notarized so that your wishes are carried out exactly how you want them to be. Call us today at (310) 276-5076 for notary services and other business service needs.