Remember that your documents are not effective unless they are properly signed. So it is very important that you follow these instructions as soon as possible after receiving your documents. Below is a table outlining the signing requirements for each type of document. Read more about signing your documents in this blog post.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNING YOUR DOCUMENTS |
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Signature Required |
Notary Required |
Notary Recommended |
2 Disinterested Witnesses Required |
Who Needs to Be Present |
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TRUST |
yes |
no |
yes |
no |
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WILL |
yes |
no |
no |
yes |
Both witnesses |
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FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY |
yes |
yes, if recorded |
yes |
yes or notary |
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ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE |
yes |
yes or 2 witnesses |
yes |
yes or notary* |
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DEED |
yes |
yes |
yes |
no |
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*Witnesses must not be your health care provider, an employee of your health care provider, or an operator or an employee of your community care facility or residential care facility. If you are a patient at a skilled nursing facility, you must also have a patient advocate or ombudsman designated by the California Department of Aging to sign your Advance Health Care Directive as a witness.