Planning for Diminished Capacity
We all hope to make our own health and financial decisions for as long as we live. However, it is important to plan for the possibility that we may someday not be able to due to illness or impairment. These resources provide guidance about how to make arrangements in advance for someone to carry out our wishes and make decisions, if needed. Some offer assistance completing advance planning documents such as powers of attorney and advance directives for health care. See also Legal Information & Services and End-of-Life Decisions.
Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information.
This non-profit organization helps low-income clients with a variety of legal issues, including completing estate and incapacity planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives for health care.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: low income residents of the Sacramento region
Address: 1860 Howe Avenue, Suite 130, Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 551-2106
Email: can send message through Contact Us page on website
Website: https://capitalprobono.org/service/estate-planning-and-probate/
This organization's website offers information about how to make end-of-life care decisions and appoint health care representatives.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Phone: (916) 489-2222
Email: info@coalitionccc.org
This non-profit organization is based in Southern California, but the information about planning for diminished capacity and other legal issues is available on its website for anyone to read.
Cost: no cost for on-line information (some printed guides can be purchased)
Who Is Eligible: anyone can access information from website
Address: 1404 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501
Phone: (310) 533-1996
Website: http://www.help4srs.org/legal/
The Legal Aid Association of California runs this free website that provides general information on a variety of legal topics. There is a page devoted to planning for diminished capacity.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Website: https://www.lawhelpca.org/issues/seniors/power-of-attorney-1
This program provides free legal information and assistance, including estate and incapacity planning, for older adults regardless of income.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: must live in the service area (includes Sacramento County) and be at least 60 years old
Address: 515 12th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (800) 222-1753 or (916) 551-2150
Email: lsnc.slh@lsnc.net
Website: https://lsnc.net/sites/default/files/inline-images/Redesigned%20Senior%20Handout%20(5).png
Law students work under attorney supervision to provide health and elder legal services, including helping clients complete advance directives for health care and durable powers of attorney.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: contact program for eligibility requirements
Address: 2925 34th St., Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: (916) 340-6080
Email: clsmcg@pacific.edu
Website: https://law.pacific.edu/law/legal-clinics/elder-and-health-law-clinic
This law library provides free legal information, forms, and limited legal assistance. There is a section on the website specifically for older adults that includes a Power of Attorney Research Guide on how to authorize someone to act on one's behalf. Users can also access diminished capacity planning forms such as the Advance Health Care Directive and Uniform Statutory Power of Attorney.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 609 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 874-6012
Email: can send message through Contact page on website
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This page was created by Catheryn Koss. Updated 6/14/2023