Living Will in New Jersey
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
New Jersey recognizes living wills and advance directives with flexible execution: signing before one witness or a notary suffices.
How New Jersey treats Living Will
New Jersey allows you to create a living will by signing it in front of either one witness or a notary public, making it one of the more flexible states for execution. Your document can specify refusal of life-sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration, and can take effect immediately or only if you become incapacitated. New Jersey also permits oral declarations of your wishes if made to a healthcare provider and documented in your medical record.
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 New Jersey.