Living Will in Vermont
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Vermont requires one witness or notarization; living wills are recognized as part of advance directives with minimal formality requirements.
How Vermont treats Living Will
Vermont recognizes living wills under its advance directive statute and has relatively flexible execution requirements: you may sign before one witness or a notary public. The witness cannot be your health care provider or directly involved in your medical care. Vermont allows you to name a health care agent and include specific instructions about life-sustaining treatment in the same document. Vermont's approach emphasizes the substance of your wishes over strict formalities.
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 Vermont.