Living Wills and Advance Directives in Connecticut
How to make a valid living will (advance directive) and medical power of attorney in Connecticut, with the official form.
Short answer: Connecticut calls a living will a document of "health care instructions." Any person 18 or older can sign one, alone or combined with an appointment of a health care representative, designation of a future conservator, and anatomical gift. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 19a-575a, 19a-576
| Living will / advance directive | Connecticut calls a living will a document of "health care instructions." Any person 18 or older can sign one, alone or combined with an appointment of a health care representative, designation of a future conservator, and anatomical gift. The statute provides optional forms. The document must be signed and dated by the person in the presence of two adult witnesses, who also sign; the person named as health care representative cannot be a witness. Extra witness rules apply to residents of certain state-licensed mental health and developmental services facilities. Notarization is not required. |
|---|---|
| Medical power of attorney | Connecticut calls the health care agent a "health care representative." An adult appoints one in writing, signed and dated in front of two adult witnesses who also sign; the health care representative cannot be a witness. The statutory form allows the representative to make health care decisions, including decisions about life support, when the person cannot. Notarization is not required. The appointment can be combined with health care instructions (living will) and a designation of conservator in one document. |
More Connecticut estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Connecticut
- Small Estate Affidavit in Connecticut
- Power of Attorney in Connecticut
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Connecticut
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Connecticut
- How to Make a Valid Will in Connecticut
- How Probate Works in Connecticut
- Revocable Living Trusts in Connecticut
- Executor Duties in Connecticut
- Letters Testamentary in Connecticut
- Affidavit of Heirship in Connecticut
- How to Avoid Probate in Connecticut
- Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Connecticut
- All Connecticut wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I make a living will in Connecticut?
Connecticut calls a living will a document of "health care instructions." Any person 18 or older can sign one, alone or combined with an appointment of a health care representative, designation of a future conservator, and anatomical gift. The statute provides optional forms. The document must be signed and dated by the person in the presence of two adult witnesses, who also sign; the person named as health care representative cannot be a witness. Extra witness rules apply to residents of certain state-licensed mental health and developmental services facilities. Notarization is not required.
How do I make a medical power of attorney in Connecticut?
Connecticut calls the health care agent a "health care representative." An adult appoints one in writing, signed and dated in front of two adult witnesses who also sign; the health care representative cannot be a witness. The statutory form allows the representative to make health care decisions, including decisions about life support, when the person cannot. Notarization is not required. The appointment can be combined with health care instructions (living will) and a designation of conservator in one document.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.