{"id":287007,"date":"2023-09-27T09:29:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T14:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/living-will\/living-wills-state-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-09-02T17:42:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T22:42:00","slug":"living-wills-state-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/living-will\/living-wills-state-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Living Wills: State Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Living Wills: State Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Every state has different laws and requirements for properly executing an end-of-life or medical care document. Below, you will find a list of the living wills laws for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What Is a Living Will?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0living will, also known in some states as a health care directive or directive to physicians, is a document that allows you to state your wishes for end-of-life medical care. This is done in case you become unable to communicate your own health care decisions.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0durable power of attorney<\/a>, on the other hand, is another type of medical care directive. It is a document that allows you to name a person to oversee your medical care and make health care decisions for you if you ever become unable to do so.<\/p>\n

You can also use online living will forms<\/a>\u00a0to help you get started.<\/p>\n

Living Will Requirements by State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/th>\nOverview<\/th>\nCitation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Alabama<\/th>\nAdvance directive for health care requires two witnesses at least 19 years old. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a722-8A-1 to 22-8A-13<\/a>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

All statutes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Alaska<\/th>\nLiving will requires no witnesses. Two witnesses are required for a \u201chealth care proxy,\u201d but this allows only general medical decisions to be made<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a713.52.010-13.52.395<\/a>\n

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Arizona<\/th>\nOne witness or a notary is required for a living will, as well as for a health care power of attorney. Arizona also maintains an \u201cAdvance Care Directory<\/a>,\u201d where you can file your documents with the state.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a736-3201 to 36-3297<\/a>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Arkansas<\/th>\nBoth living wills and health care proxies require two witnesses. Not valid if pregnant<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a720-17-202 to 20-17-218<\/a>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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California<\/th>\nAn advance health care directive and a durable power attorney require two witnesses OR a notary, but are not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\nProbate Code \u00a7\u00a74700 to 4743<\/a>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

All codes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Colorado<\/th>\nHealth care declaration (living will) requires two witnesses, but is not valid if pregnant. Medical\u00a0durable power of attorney for health care<\/a>\u00a0does NOT require any witnesses or notary.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a715-18-101 to 15-18-113<\/a>\n

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Connecticut<\/th>\nAdvance directive (inclusive of a living will, or an appointment of health care representative, or both) requires two witnesses. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a719a-570 to 19a-580d<\/a>\n

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Delaware<\/th>\nAdvance health-care directive (includes an individual instruction or a power of attorney for health care, or both) requires two witnesses.<\/td>\nTitle 16, \u00a7\u00a72501 to 2518<\/a>\n

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District of Columbia<\/th>\nHealth care declaration (living will) requires two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a77-621 to 7-630<\/a>\n

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Florida<\/th>\nTwo witnesses are required for both a health care advance directive (living will) and the designation of a health care surrogate. At least one of the witnesses cannot be a spouse or a blood relative.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7765.301 to 765.310<\/a>\n

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Georgia<\/th>\nAdvance directive for health care (living will) require two witnesses. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a731-32-1 to 31-32-12<\/a>\n

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Hawaii<\/th>\nAdvance health-care directive, or a power of attorney for health care, require two witnesses OR a notary. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7327E-1 to 327E-16<\/a>\n

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Idaho<\/th>\nNo witnesses required for a \u201cLiving Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.\u201d Not valid if pregnant. Optional submission to state registry.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a739-4501 to 39-4509<\/a>\n

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Illinois<\/th>\nHealth care declaration (living will) requires two witnesses. Not valid if pregnant. One witness is required for power of attorney for health care.<\/td>\nCh. 755, \u00a7\u00a735\/1 to 35\/10<\/a>,\u00a0755 ILCS 45\/4-1, et. seq<\/a>.\n

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Indiana<\/th>\nBoth a living will declaration and a life prolonging procedures will declaration require two witnesses. Not valid if pregnant. Appointment of health care representative requires one witness.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a716-36-4-1 to 16-36-4-21<\/a>\n

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Iowa<\/th>\nTwo witnesses OR a notary are required for a living will. Not valid if pregnant. Power of attorney for health care requires two witnesses or notary.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7144A.3 to 144A.12<\/a>\n

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Kansas<\/th>\nTwo witnesses or a notary are required for a living will or durable power of attorney.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a765-28,101 to 65-28, 109<\/a>\n

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Kentucky<\/th>\nAdvance directive, section two (2) requires two witnesses or notary. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7311.621 to 311.644<\/a>\n

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Louisiana<\/th>\nBoth living will and health care proxy require two witnesses. May register living will document with\u00a0End of Life Registry<\/a>\u00a0maintained by the Secretary of State.<\/td>\nTitle 40, \u00a7\u00a71299.58.1. to 1299.58.10\n

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Maine<\/th>\nAdvance health care directives require two witnesses.<\/td>\nTitle 18-A, \u00a7\u00a75-801 to 5-817<\/a>\n

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Maryland<\/th>\nAdvance medical directive health care instructions require two witnesses. Appointment of health care agents also require two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a75-601 to 5-618<\/a>\n

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Massachusetts<\/th>\nMassachusetts law allows people to make their own Health Care Proxies, but does not officially recognize Living Wills. Two witnesses are required for a health care proxy.<\/td>\nGeneral Laws, Chapter 201D<\/a>\n

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Michigan<\/th>\nNo state law for a living will, no state law, therefore are no formal requirements. Strongly recommended the document be entitled, \u201cLiving Will;\u201d be dated; signed by you; and signed by two witnesses who are not family members. Two witnesses are required for\u00a0Designation of Patient Advocate for Health Care<\/a>.<\/td>\nLiving Wills Laws<\/a>\n

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Minnesota<\/th>\nTwo witnesses notary or are required for a living will. Not valid if pregnant. Two witnesses or a notary are required for durable power of attorney for health care.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7145B.01 to 145B.17<\/a>\n

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Mississippi<\/th>\nAdvance health care directive (living will and health care proxy included on same form) requires two witnesses or a notary.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a741-41-201 to 41-41-229<\/a>\n

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Missouri<\/th>\nTwo witnesses required for a living will, but is not valid if pregnant. Durable power of attorney for health care requires a notary or two witnesses. The notary acknowledgment is required by Missouri
law if you appoint an agent and complete a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.<\/td>\n		\u00a7\u00a7459.015 to 459.055<\/a>\n

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Montana<\/th>\nTwo witnesses required for a living will\/advance directive. You may also store your advance directive in the\u00a0End-of-Life Registry<\/a>\u00a0maintained by the State of Montana.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a750-9-101 to 50-9-206<\/a>\n

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Nebraska<\/th>\nTwo witnesses or a notary required for a living will advance directive.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a720-401 to 20-416<\/a>\n

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Nevada<\/th>\nTwo witnesses required for a living will. Durable power of attorney for health care decisions requires a notary if you are granting your agent power to direct your burial or cremation, if not then you only need two witnesses. You may also store your advance directive in the\u00a0Living Will Lockbox<\/a>\u00a0maintained by the State of Nevada.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7449.535 to 449.690<\/a>\n

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New Hampshire<\/th>\nAdvance directive and durable power of attorney requires a notary OR two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7137-J:1 to 137-J:16<\/a>\n

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New Jersey<\/th>\nEither instruction directive, or appointment of a health care representative requires two witnesses or a notary public.<\/td>\n26:2H-53 to 26:2H-91<\/a>\n

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New Mexico<\/th>\nNo witnesses are required for either an advance health care directive or durable power of attorney, but it may be helpful to do so in case your advance health care directive is ever challenged.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a724-7A-1 to 24-7A-18<\/a>\n

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New York<\/th>\nTwo witnesses required for a living will and health care proxy.<\/td>\nArticle 29-B,\u00a7\u00a72964 to 2978 and \u00a7\u00a72980 to 2994<\/a>\n

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North Carolina<\/th>\nTwo witnesses and a notary public are required for a living will and health care power of attorney. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a790-320 to 90-322<\/a>\n

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North Dakota<\/th>\nTwo witnesses or a notary public required for a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n23-06.5-01 to 23-06.5-14<\/a>\n

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Ohio<\/th>\nTwo witnesses or a notary are required for a living will, but it is not valid if pregnant unless pregnancy won\u2019t develop to a live birth. Durable power of attorney for health care requires a notary or two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7\u00a7\u00a72133.01 to 2133.15<\/a>\n

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Oklahoma<\/th>\nTwo witnesses required for a living will, but it is not valid if pregnant. Appointment of health care proxy requires two witnesses.<\/td>\nTitle 63, Ch. 60, \u00a7\u00a73101.1 to 3102A<\/a>\n

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Oregon<\/th>\nAdvance directive requires two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7127.505 to 127.660, and \u00a7\u00a7127.995\n

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Pennsylvania<\/th>\nTwo witnesses are required for a living will needs, but it is not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\nTitle 20, Chapter 54, \u00a7\u00a75441 to 5447<\/a>\n

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Rhode Island<\/th>\nTwo witnesses required for a living will, but it is not valid if pregnant and if the fetus could develop for a live birth. Durable power of attorney for health care requires two witnesses or a notary.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a723-4.11-1 to 23-4.11-15<\/a>\n

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South Carolina<\/th>\nA living will requires two witnesses and a notary. Health care power of attorney requires two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a744-77-10 to 44-77-160<\/a>\n

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South Dakota<\/th>\nTwo witnesses are required for a living will or durable power of attorney for health care. Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a734-12D-1 to 34-12D-22<\/a>\n

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Tennessee<\/th>\nTwo witnesses or a notary are required for an advance directive or appointment of a health care agent.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a732-11-101 to 32-11-113<\/a>\n

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Texas<\/th>\nDirective to physicians\/living will requires two witnesses or a notary public, but is not valid if pregnant. Durable power of attorney for health care requires two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7166.031 to 166.053<\/a>\n

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Utah<\/th>\nAdvance health care directive requires one witness and can be oral or written Not valid if pregnant.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7\u00a7\u00a775-2a<\/a>\n

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Vermont<\/th>\nAdvance medical directive requires two witnesses. You may also store a copy of your advance medical directive in an\u00a0online registry<\/a>\u00a0provided to you by the Vermont Department of Health.<\/td>\nTitle 18, Ch. 231, \u00a7\u00a7\u00a7\u00a79700 9720<\/a>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Virginia<\/th>\nAdvance medical directive requires two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a754.1-2981 to 54.1-2993<\/a>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

All statutes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Washington<\/th>\nHealth care directive requires two witnesses, but is not valid if pregnant. Durable power of attorney for health care does not require, but does recommend witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a770.122.010 to 70.122.920<\/a>\n

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West Virginia<\/th>\nTwo witnesses and a notary are required for a living will. Medical power of attorney for health care also requires two witnesses and a notary.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a716-30-1 to 16-30-25<\/a>\n

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Wisconsin<\/th>\nDeclaration to physicians (living will) requires two witnesses, but is not valid if pregnant. Power of attorney for health care requires two witnesses.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a7154.01 to 154.29<\/a>\n

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Wyoming<\/th>\nTwo witnesses OR a notary are required for a living will, but is not valid if pregnant. Durable power of attorney for health care requires two witnesses OR a notary.<\/td>\n\u00a7\u00a735-22-201 to 35-22-416<\/a>\n

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