Personal Directive in Alberta: Costs, Witness Requirements and How to Create One

Planning for future healthcare decisions is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. A Personal Directive allows you to record your wishes and appoint someone you trust to make personal and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

Whether you're planning ahead because of age, illness or simply for peace of mind, having a properly prepared Personal Directive can prevent confusion and reduce stress for your loved ones.

At Edmonton Notary Public, we help Albertans prepare legally valid Personal Directives with clear language, professional guidance, independent witnessing, and convenient appointment options, including same-day service when available.

A Personal Directive is a legal document recognized under Alberta law. It only comes into effect if you lose the mental capacity to make your own personal or healthcare decisions.

Through this document, you can:

• Appoint one or more trusted Agents to make personal and healthcare decisions.
• Provide instructions regarding medical treatment.
• Outline your wishes for end-of-life care.
• Specify your preferences for pain management and resuscitation.
• Express preferences about living arrangements and daily care.
• Include religious, spiritual or cultural wishes.
• State your preferences regarding organ and tissue donation.

A Personal Directive does not deal with financial matters or property. Those decisions are handled through an Enduring Power of Attorney. Many clients choose to prepare both documents at the same time, ensuring both healthcare and financial decisions are covered.

Your Agent is the person who will make decisions on your behalf if you become incapable of doing so. Ideally, your Agent should:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be someone you completely trust.
• Understand your personal values.
• Be willing and available to act when needed.

Many people appoint both a primary Agent and an alternate Agent. This provides additional protection if the first person is unavailable.

If you decide to appoint multiple Agents, clearly indicate whether they must make decisions together or may act independently. Clear instructions can help avoid disagreements and delays.

Before signing your Personal Directive, have an open conversation with your chosen Agent so they understand your wishes and feel comfortable carrying out your decisions.

Alberta law requires your Personal Directive to be signed in the presence of one eligible adult witness .

Certain individuals cannot act as witnesses, including:

• Your appointed Agent.
• Any alternate Agent.
• Your spouse or adult interdependent partner if they are named as your Agent.
• Anyone under the age of 18.
• Anyone who may receive a benefit because of the instructions contained in the directive.

Yes, provided they are not your Agent or alternate Agent and are otherwise eligible under Alberta law.

Even so, many people prefer using an independent witness to avoid questions later, especially if healthcare providers or family members need to rely on the document.

At Edmonton Notary Public, an independent witness is provided during your appointment.

No.

A Personal Directive does not need to be notarized to be legally valid in Alberta.

The legal requirement is proper execution before an eligible witness.

That said, signing your document with a professional notary provides additional confidence that:

• Your identity has been verified.
• The document has been completed correctly.
• All legal formalities have been followed.

Professional execution can also help reduce the likelihood of disputes if the directive needs to be relied upon in the future.

The cost varies depending on the service provider and the complexity of your instructions.

Factors that may affect pricing include:

• Multiple Agents.
• Complex healthcare instructions.
• Mobile appointments.
• Evening or weekend appointments.
• Certified copies or scanning services.

At Edmonton Notary Public, pricing is transparent, with clear quotes provided before your appointment and no hidden fees.

Payment options include:

• Credit cards
• Debit
• Cash
• Interac e-Transfer

A straightforward Personal Directive can often be prepared and signed during a single appointment.

Where scheduling permits, same-day appointments are available. If your instructions are more detailed or you require a mobile appointment, additional preparation time may be recommended to ensure every instruction accurately reflects your wishes.

Creating a Personal Directive is a straightforward process.

1. Book an Appointment

Contact Edmonton Notary Public by phone or online. Same-day, evening, weekend and mobile appointments may be available.

2. Gather Your Information

Bring valid government-issued photo identification and consider your healthcare preferences before your appointment.

If you would like copies sent to your Agent or physician, those arrangements can also be made.

3. Draft Your Directive

Your instructions are prepared using clear, plain language while confirming:

• Your chosen Agent.
• Alternate Agent.
• Scope of authority.
• Healthcare preferences.
• Any restrictions or special instructions.

4. Review and Sign

You'll review the completed document, ask any questions you may have, and sign it before an eligible independent witness.

5. Register Your Directive

Although registration is optional, many Albertans choose to register their Personal Directive with the Alberta Personal Directives Registry, making it easier for healthcare providers to locate the document when necessary.

Before your appointment, consider preparing the following information:

Agent Information

• Full legal name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Relationship to you

Healthcare Preferences

• Life support
• Resuscitation
• Pain management
• Palliative care
• Religious or cultural considerations

Living Arrangements

• Home care preferences
• Assisted living
• Long-term care
• Preferred location

Personal Preferences

• Visitors
• Daily routines
• Dietary needs
• Language preferences
• Care for pets

Medical Information

Consider whether your Agent should have access to your medical records so they can make informed decisions on your behalf.

Organ Donation

Record whether you wish to donate organs or tissue and include any limitations.

If you're also preparing your Will or Power of Attorney, keeping all documents consistent can simplify future decision-making.

Learn more about estate planning on our Wills and Estates page.

Most people prepare a Personal Directive for one simple reason: they want their wishes respected if they are unable to speak for themselves.

It also helps:

• Reduce stress for family members.
• Prevent disagreements among loved ones.
• Give healthcare providers clear instructions.
• Ensure someone you trust is making important decisions.
• Avoid uncertainty during medical emergencies.

Planning ahead gives both you and your family greater peace of mind.

At Edmonton Notary Public, we make the process simple, efficient and easy to understand.

Our services include:

• Professionally drafted Personal Directives
• Independent witnessing
• Identity verification
• Same-day appointments, where available
• Evening and weekend appointments
• Mobile services throughout Edmonton
• Coordinated preparation of Personal Directives, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Wills

Whether you're preparing one document or a complete estate planning package, we're here to help you complete everything correctly and efficiently.

How much does a Personal Directive cost in Alberta?

Fees vary depending on the provider and the complexity of your instructions. Edmonton Notary Public provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Do I need a lawyer to prepare a Personal Directive?

No. Alberta law does not require a lawyer. Many people choose professional drafting to ensure their document is complete, accurate and properly executed.

How do I get a Personal Directive?

Book an appointment, bring valid photo ID, discuss your wishes, review your document and sign it before an eligible witness.

Can a family member witness a Personal Directive?

Yes, provided they are legally eligible and are not named as your Agent or alternate Agent.

Why do people create Personal Directives?

A Personal Directive provides clear instructions for future healthcare decisions, reduces uncertainty for family members and ensures your wishes are respected if you lose decision-making capacity.

Ready to Create Your Personal Directive?

Planning ahead today can make an enormous difference tomorrow.

If you're ready to prepare your Personal Directive, contact Edmonton Notary Public to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments may be available, and mobile services are offered throughout Edmonton for clients who cannot travel.

If you're also planning your estate, consider preparing your Enduring Power of Attorney and reviewing your Will during the same visit for a more complete and coordinated plan.