Living Will in Alabama
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Alabama recognizes living wills and requires two witnesses, at least one unrelated to you.
How Alabama treats Living Will
Alabama's living will statute (Ala. Code § 22-8A-1 et seq.) allows you to document your end-of-life wishes in writing. Your document must be signed by you and witnessed by two people, with at least one witness having no family or financial relationship to you. A physician must determine you lack decision-making capacity before the living will takes effect. Alabama also permits you to name a healthcare proxy to make decisions if you cannot.
The general definition of Living Will
A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.
A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.
Read the full Living Will entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.