Living Will in Ohio
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Ohio recognizes living wills under the Health Care Power of Attorney statute, requiring two witnesses and specific statutory language.
How Ohio treats Living Will
Ohio allows you to create a living will that directs healthcare providers about life-sustaining treatment if you become incapacitated. Your document must be signed by you and witnessed by two people who are not your healthcare provider or related to you by blood or marriage. Ohio law generally requires that the document substantially comply with statutory form requirements, though courts have recognized substantial compliance in some cases.
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 Ohio.