Living Wills and Advance Directives in Indiana
How to make a valid living will (advance directive) and medical power of attorney in Indiana, with the official form.
Short answer: Indiana's current tool is the "advance directive," which can state the person's wishes about providing, continuing, stopping or refusing life-prolonging procedures, palliative and comfort care, as well as specific health care decisions. IC 16-36-7-28; IC 16-36-4-8
| Living will / advance directive | Indiana's current tool is the "advance directive," which can state the person's wishes about providing, continuing, stopping or refusing life-prolonging procedures, palliative and comfort care, as well as specific health care decisions. It must be signed by the declarant (or by another adult at their specific direction and in their presence) either in front of two adult witnesses or before a notarial officer; at least one witness may not be the declarant's spouse or other relative. Indiana's older living will declaration under IC 16-36-4 also required a voluntary, written, signed and dated document signed before two adult witnesses or a notary. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: IC 16-36-7-28; IC 16-36-4-8 |
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| Medical power of attorney | Indiana names a "health care representative" in an advance directive. The directive can designate one or more competent adults (or other persons) to make health care decisions or receive health information, and can disqualify named people from serving as representative or proxy. Signing rules: signed by the declarant (or by another adult at their direction) in the presence of two adult witnesses or a notarial officer; remote online notarization and limited telephone or counterpart witnessing are allowed. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: IC 16-36-7-28 |
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- All Indiana wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
How do I make a living will in Indiana?
Indiana's current tool is the "advance directive," which can state the person's wishes about providing, continuing, stopping or refusing life-prolonging procedures, palliative and comfort care, as well as specific health care decisions. It must be signed by the declarant (or by another adult at their specific direction and in their presence) either in front of two adult witnesses or before a notarial officer; at least one witness may not be the declarant's spouse or other relative. Indiana's older living will declaration under IC 16-36-4 also required a voluntary, written, signed and dated document signed before two adult witnesses or a notary.
How do I make a medical power of attorney in Indiana?
Indiana names a "health care representative" in an advance directive. The directive can designate one or more competent adults (or other persons) to make health care decisions or receive health information, and can disqualify named people from serving as representative or proxy. Signing rules: signed by the declarant (or by another adult at their direction) in the presence of two adult witnesses or a notarial officer; remote online notarization and limited telephone or counterpart witnessing are allowed.
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.