Living Will in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Mississippi recognizes living wills under the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act and requires two witnesses or notarization.
How Mississippi treats Living Will
Mississippi allows you to execute a living will that directs healthcare providers to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. You must sign the document in front of two witnesses (who cannot be your healthcare provider or related to you) or have it notarized. The living will becomes effective only when you are unable to communicate your wishes and are in a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state, as determined by your physician.
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 Mississippi.