It is never too early to begin the process.   Here are some tips to get you started:

	Pick up the form from your lawyer, hospital, or state attorney general’s office. You do not need a lawyer for an AD to be legally valid.  You can also pick up an inexpensive AD form from the California Coalition for Compassionate Care.  Go here for more information for obtaining forms.
	Fill out the form exactly as instructed. You need either two adults witnessing your signing of the AD or a notary public must witness the signing.   The witnesses may not include your agent, your physician (or an employee of the health care provider.)  Also, at least one of the witnesses cannot be related to you by blood marriage or adoption, or be named in your will.  If using a notary public, you may need to present proof of your identity, something with your picture on it – a recent driver’s license or U.S. passport.
	Choose an agent (also called an attorney – in – fact): You can choose almost anyone over the age of 18 to be your agent. If you appoint your spouse and you later divorce, the DPAHC may automatically be invalid. If you can’t make your own decisions, your agent must make them consistent with wishes you have written in the DPAHC. Depending on the state in which you live, your agent may not be able to make decisions such as mental health treatment, psycho – surgery, sterilization, or abortion. In case your primary agent is unavailable, appointing an alternate agent is a good idea.
	Make several copies and give them to family members and your doctor.
	An AD remains valid until you revoke it or until your death.

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