Personal Directives in Calgary
Personal Directives give you a voice — even if you can’t speak for yourself. This legal document lets you choose someone you trust to make healthcare and personal decisions on your behalf if you ever lose mental capacity due to illness, injury, or age.
At Mobile Wills Calgary, we prepare lawyer-drafted Personal Directives, fully compliant with Alberta law, and delivered directly to your door — with no hidden fees.
What Is a Personal Directive in Alberta?
In Alberta, a Personal Directive is a legally recognized document that appoints a trusted individual (your “agent”) to make non-financial decisions for you if you become mentally incapable. This includes your:
Medical care and treatments
Living arrangements (home care, assisted living, etc.)
Daily personal care
End-of-life decisions
Visitation, comfort, and cultural preferences
Unlike a Will (which applies after death) or a Power of Attorney (which covers finances), your Personal Directive is about your care while you’re still alive.
Your directive only becomes active after a qualified healthcare professional determines that you are unable to make personal decisions. In Alberta, this typically requires:
A doctor, nurse practitioner, or psychologist
Certifying that you lack capacity due to cognitive decline, injury, or illness
Until then, you remain fully in control.
Your Personal Directive can be simple or detailed. You may include:
Medical treatment preferences (e.g., life support, resuscitation)
End-of-life decisions (e.g., palliative care, artificial hydration/nutrition)
Pain management and comfort care
Religious or cultural instructions
Visitation wishes
Organ and tissue donation
Housing preferences (e.g., stay at home vs. move to a facility)
You can give broad discretion to your agent or provide specific directions. The more clarity you offer, the better your agent can act in your best interest.
The person you name as your “agent” should be:
At least 18 years old
Someone you trust deeply
Able to advocate for your wishes — even under pressure
Familiar with your values, priorities, and preferences
Ideally located in Calgary or Alberta
Willing and emotionally able to make tough decisions
You can name alternate agents in case your first choice is unavailable. You may also appoint co-agents, though we usually recommend keeping it simple to avoid conflicts.
To be legally valid in Alberta, your Personal Directive must:
Be in writing
Be dated
Be signed by you while mentally competent
Be witnessed by someone who is not your named agent or the agent’s spouse
Be created when you’re at least 18 and understand the document’s meaning
At Mobile Wills Calgary, we ensure every Personal Directive meets these requirements fully — with no room for error.
Personal Directive vs. Living Will vs. Advance Care Plan
These terms are often used interchangeably, but here’s what they really mean in Alberta:
| Term | Meaning in Alberta |
|---|---|
| Personal Directive: | Legal document for naming a health decision-maker and preferences |
| Living Will: | Outdated/US term; often used informally |
| Advance Care: Planning | The broader process of preparing for future healthcare decisions |
Only the Personal Directive is legally enforceable in Alberta.
Why a Personal Directive Matters
If you become incapacitated without a Personal Directive:
Your family may not know your wishes
Healthcare providers may be forced to make default decisions
Loved ones could fight over what you would have wanted
Someone may need to apply for guardianship through court — a slow, costly process
A Personal Directive protects your values, relieves stress from loved ones, and keeps you in control.
Flat-Fee Pricing – Transparent and affordable
Lawyer-Drafted Documents – No guesswork, no risky templates
Mobile Service – We come to your home or care facility
Full Estate Planning Available – Add your Will & EPA at the same time
Clear Language – Easy to understand, legally sound
