Advance Directive Form

California’s Advance Directive form can be found here. It contains information on an individual’s living will, consent, and instructions regarding their health care, treatment, service, and end-of-life decisions. This form also authorizes the healthcare proxy. It must be signed by the individual, witness, and proxy.

How to Order a Death Certificate

The following people are qualified to request a death certificate in California state:

• Parents of the deceased
• Spouse of the deceased
• Children and grandchildren of the deceased
• Sibling of the deceased
• An attorney representing an estate or a family member
• An employee of a funeral establishment provided they act in accordance with their employment law
• Members of governmental agencies conducting official business

The required death certificate application information includes:

• The legal name of the deceased
• Deceased place and date of birth
• Deceased sex
• The legal names of the deceased’s parents
• The legal name of the deceased’s spouse if applicable
• Deceased Social Security Number
• Purpose of the request
• Applicant’s name and signature
• Applicant’s mailing address and phone number
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased
• Number of copies required

The cost of the certificate and one certified copy is $14. Cash isn’t accepted, and all fees are non-refundable.

The request can be submitted by post:

California Department of Public Health

Vital Records - MS 5103

P.O. Box 997410

Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Digital Estate Planning Law

California’s AB-691 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill was signed by the Governor on September 24, 2016.

Death With Dignity Legislation or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

California provides terminally ill state residents with a choice on when they wish to end their life. The End of Life Option Act was enacted on June 9, 2016. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registries

California’s organ donation registry can be found here.

Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

California’s POLST form can be accessed here. This form must be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on California’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in the California Probate Code.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Currently, California has no estate or inheritance tax.