Living Will in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Louisiana requires living wills to be notarized or witnessed by two disinterested witnesses; civil law tradition applies.
How Louisiana treats Living Will
Louisiana recognizes living wills as part of its unique civil law system and requires either notarization or two disinterested witnesses. The witnesses cannot be your physician, a hospital employee, or anyone who stands to inherit from you. Louisiana law allows you to specify detailed preferences about artificial nutrition, hydration, and other life-sustaining measures. The document must clearly express your intent and be signed by you in the presence of required witnesses or a notary.
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 Louisiana.