Estate request template

Advance care directive signing request template

An advance care directive records a person's future health and care wishes; this request collects acknowledgement from the appointer, decision-maker or witness.

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What is a advance care directive?

An advance care directive is a document in which a person sets out their wishes for future medical treatment and personal care, and may appoint a substitute decision-maker to act if they cannot decide for themselves. It is intended to guide families and health professionals when the person is unable to communicate their preferences. Because it deals with deeply personal choices, clarity and proper acknowledgement by the relevant people are important.

These directives matter because they give effect to a person's values at a time when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Having the appointer, substitute decision-maker, or witness review and acknowledge the document creates a clear record that the right people are aware of it. Cosign helps circulate and track that acknowledgement, but it does not draft the directive or provide medical or legal advice.

When to use a advance care directive

Asking a substitute decision-maker to acknowledge their appointment
Recording that a witness reviewed the directive before signing
Confirming the appointer has acknowledged the prepared directive
Keeping a dated record that family members were informed

What to include in a advance care directive

Appointer details: name of the person whose care preferences are recorded.
Substitute decision-maker: name and acceptance of the person appointed to decide.
Care preferences: the treatment and care wishes the directive sets out.
Witness attestation: section confirming a witness observed the signing.
Acknowledgement statement: wording confirming the party reviewed the directive.

Pros and cons of sending a advance care directive as a signing request

Pros

Gives each party a clear, dated acknowledgement on record
Tracks opens and previews so you know the directive was read
Private link keeps sensitive health wishes out of open inboxes
Completion receipt provides proof to store with health records

Cons and things to watch

Directives often have specific witnessing rules that vary by state
Acknowledgement does not confirm clinical or legal understanding
Electronic signing may not meet every jurisdiction's formal rules
Not a substitute for medical or legal advice on care planning

How to send a advance care directive with Cosign

Upload the advance care directive and preview it to confirm the correct section is included.
Add the appointer, substitute decision-maker, or witness and set the section to acknowledge.
Set a 14-day expiry and add password protection given the personal health content.
Send the private link, track who has acknowledged, and keep the completion receipt on file.

Advance care directive request details

Email subject

Advance care directive acknowledgement

Default message

Please review this advance care directive document and acknowledge the requested section.

Signer setup

Appointer, substitute decision-maker, or witness

Suggested expiry

14 days

Button label

Review and acknowledge

Best fit

Estate teams

Advance care directive FAQs

Is an electronically signed advance care directive valid in Australia?

Rules for advance care directives differ across states and territories, and some require specific witnessing or forms. Electronic acknowledgement can support your records, but check the formal requirements where you live with a qualified adviser.

What is a substitute decision-maker?

It is the person appointed in the directive to make health and personal care decisions if the appointer cannot. Their acknowledgement confirms they are aware of and accept the role, subject to the relevant state rules.

Will this document appear in search engine results?

No. Cosign delivers the directive through a private link to the people you choose, and the pages are not indexed by search engines. Only nominated recipients can open it.

Can I send the directive to more than one person?

Yes. You can add the appointer, decision-maker, and witness as separate signers and track each acknowledgement, with reminders if anyone has not responded.

Does acknowledging the directive replace a medical or legal review?

No. Acknowledgement records that the person reviewed the document. It does not provide medical or legal advice, so professional guidance is recommended when preparing a directive.