Living Wills and Advance Directives in Virginia
How to make a valid living will (advance directive) and medical power of attorney in Virginia, with the official form.
Short answer: Virginia combines living-will instructions and the appointment of a health care agent in a written 'advance directive.' Any adult capable of making an informed decision may make one. Va. Code §§ 54.1-2983, 54.1-2984
| Living will / advance directive | Virginia combines living-will instructions and the appointment of a health care agent in a written 'advance directive.' Any adult capable of making an informed decision may make one. It must be signed by the declarant in the presence of two subscribing witnesses; notarization is not required. A person diagnosed with a terminal condition may also make an oral advance directive in the presence of the attending physician and two witnesses. The statute provides a suggested Advance Medical Directive form, which is optional, and a directive may be filed with the state's Advance Health Care Planning Registry. Source: Va. Code §§ 54.1-2983, 54.1-2984 |
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| Medical power of attorney | In Virginia the health care agent is appointed in the written advance directive (the suggested statutory form is the 'Advance Medical Directive'). The same signing rule applies: signed by the declarant in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, with no notarization required. Source: Va. Code §§ 54.1-2983, 54.1-2984 |
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FAQ
How do I make a living will in Virginia?
Virginia combines living-will instructions and the appointment of a health care agent in a written 'advance directive.' Any adult capable of making an informed decision may make one. It must be signed by the declarant in the presence of two subscribing witnesses; notarization is not required. A person diagnosed with a terminal condition may also make an oral advance directive in the presence of the attending physician and two witnesses. The statute provides a suggested Advance Medical Directive form, which is optional, and a directive may be filed with the state's Advance Health Care Planning Registry.
How do I make a medical power of attorney in Virginia?
In Virginia the health care agent is appointed in the written advance directive (the suggested statutory form is the 'Advance Medical Directive'). The same signing rule applies: signed by the declarant in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, with no notarization required.
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.