State-by-State Living Will Requirements

Living will requirements vary significantly by state. Select your state below to learn about witness rules, notarization requirements, and the specific statutory language that applies to your advance directive.

California

Advance Health Care Directive

2 witnessesNo notaryNotary alt.

Florida

Living Will

2 witnessesNo notary

Georgia

Advance Directive for Health Care

2 witnessesNo notary

Illinois

Declaration (Living Will)

2 witnessesNo notary

Michigan

Patient Advocate Designation

2 witnessesNo notary

New York

Health Care Proxy / Living Will

2 witnessesNo notary

North Carolina

Advance Directive for a Natural Death

2 witnessesNotary required

Ohio

Living Will Declaration

2 witnessesNo notaryNotary alt.

Pennsylvania

Advance Health Care Directive / Living Will

2 witnessesNo notary

South Carolina

Living Will Declaration

2 witnessesNotary required

Texas

Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates

2 witnessesNo notaryNotary alt.

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Important: This tool provides a template for creating a living will based on your state's general requirements. It is not legal advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified attorney. For complex medical situations, blended families, or significant assets, we recommend having an attorney review your document.