Texas Living Will Template

Texas rules built into this template

• Governing law: The Texas Advance Directives Act (Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 166), as a directive to physicians.
• Signing: A living will must be signed in the presence of two competent adult witnesses, at least one of whom is not related to the declarant by blood or marriage, entitled to any part of the declarant's estate, the declarant's attending physician, or an employee of the declarant's attending physician or health care facility involved in the declarant's care (Tex. Health & Safety Code §§ 166.003, 166.032).
• IMPORTANT: Texas provides the statutory Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates form (Tex. Health & Safety Code § 166.033), and a healthcare agent should be appointed on the statutory medical power of attorney form (§ 166.164). Using the official Texas forms is strongly recommended so that Texas providers readily accept them.

What the Living Will includes

1. Purpose
2. When This Directive Applies
3. Healthcare Agent
4. Life-Sustaining Treatment
5. Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
6. Pain Relief and Comfort Care
7. Organ and Tissue Donation
8. Pregnancy
9. Copies, Revocation, and Reliance
10. Texas Signing Requirements
11. Governing Law

Frequently asked questions

Is a living will legally binding in Texas?

Yes. Texas recognizes written treatment instructions under The Texas Advance Directives Act (Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 166), as a directive to physicians, as long as the document is signed correctly.

Does a living will need witnesses or a notary in Texas?

A living will must be signed in the presence of two competent adult witnesses, at least one of whom is not related to the declarant by blood or marriage, entitled to any part of the declarant's estate, the declarant's attending physician, or an employee of the declarant's attending physician or health care facility involved in the declarant's care (Tex. Health & Safety Code §§ 166.003, 166.032).

What is the difference between the Standard and Professional Living Will?

The Standard edition is a complete, state-aware Living Will for common situations. The Professional edition adds longer clause coverage, schedules, and optional modules for more complex matters. You can preview either edition free before you pay.

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