Free Printable Arkansas Advance Directive & Requirements

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 6.5%Notary: $5-$10Witnesses: 2

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Arkansas

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

I, [YOUR NAME], of [ADDRESS], Arkansas AR, appoint the following person as my Healthcare Agent:

Agent Name: [AGENT NAME]
Address: [AGENT ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]

Alternate Agent: [ALTERNATE NAME]
Address: [ALTERNATE ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]

My Healthcare Agent is authorized to make all healthcare decisions for me when I am unable to do so, including decisions about life-sustaining treatment.

PART II — INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEALTHCARE

If I am terminally ill or permanently unconscious:
[  ] I DO want life-sustaining treatment
[  ] I DO NOT want life-sustaining treatment
[  ] I want treatment only if my doctor believes it will improve my condition

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration:
[  ] I DO want artificial nutrition and hydration
[  ] I DO NOT want artificial nutrition and hydration

Pain Management:
I want all measures taken to keep me comfortable and free from pain, even if such measures hasten my death.

Organ Donation:
[  ] I wish to donate my organs and tissues
[  ] I do not wish to donate my organs

PART III — GENERAL PROVISIONS
This directive is made in accordance with Arkansas law (AR Statutes). It shall remain in effect until revoked.

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

WITNESS 1: _____________________ DATE: _____
WITNESS 2: _____________________ DATE: _____

NOTARY (if required in Arkansas):
Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__.
Notary Public: _____________________

FAQ: Advance Directive in Arkansas

Is a Advance Directive required in Arkansas?

Yes, in Arkansas, a Advance Directive is required for most transactions of this type. Under Arkansas State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Advance Directive may result in legal complications.

Does a Advance Directive need to be notarized in Arkansas?

Notarization requirements in Arkansas (AR) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5-$10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Advance Directive in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a base sales tax rate of 6.5%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Arkansas tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Is an advance directive the same as a living will?

An advance directive is a broader document that typically includes both a living will (treatment preferences) and a healthcare power of attorney (appointing a decision-maker). Some states combine these into one form.

When does an advance directive take effect?

An advance directive takes effect only when you are unable to communicate your own healthcare decisions, typically due to unconsciousness, severe illness, or cognitive impairment. Your doctor must determine you lack decision-making capacity.

Do hospitals have to follow my advance directive?

Yes, healthcare providers are legally required to follow valid advance directives in all states. However, a provider may refuse on moral grounds but must transfer your care to another provider who will honor your wishes.

Arkansas Advance Directive Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Advance Directive is legally valid in Arkansas.

2 witnesses must sign
Notarization may be required
Healthcare agent designated
Alternate agent named
Life-sustaining treatment preferences stated
Organ donation wishes specified
Pain management instructions included
Declarant must be of sound mind
Effective immediately or upon incapacity
Revocation clause included

Arkansas Notarization

Arkansas requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $5-$10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Arkansas, a 6.5% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Arkansas law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Arkansas Filing Deadlines

Check Arkansas deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

JRJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.

Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience

Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents

This Advance Directive template for Arkansas has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Arkansas Advance Directive Legal Guide

For residents of Arkansas, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.

Pursuant to Arkansas State Code in Arkansas, this Advance Directive must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 6.5%. Notarization, which costs $5-$10 in AR, is strongly recommended. 2 witnesses are needed.

Using this template ensures you're protected under Arkansas law while saving time and money on legal fees.

healthcare agentmedical proxylife-sustaining treatmentincapacityhealthcare decisionsorgan donationend-of-life care
Whether you're a first-time advance directive user or a seasoned professional in Arkansas, understanding the legal nuances of this document is essential. Arkansas (AR) has specific statutes that govern how this form must be prepared, signed, and filed.

Getting It Done Right in Arkansas

Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any AR-required notarization. Arkansas makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.

Pro Tips for Arkansas Residents

- **Use blue or black ink** when signing physical copies in Arkansas
- **Keep digital backups** of all signed documents
- **Check for local county requirements** that may apply in addition to AR state law
- **Don't backdate** — Arkansas courts view backdated documents unfavorably
- **Consult an attorney** for transactions exceeding $10,000 in value

Enforceability in Arkansas

A Advance Directive that meets all AR requirements is fully enforceable in Arkansas. Courts in Arkansas have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

Meeting Arkansas's Legal Threshold

For your Advance Directive to hold up in a Arkansas court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. AR law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Advance Directive Costs in Arkansas

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Arkansas standard rate: $5-$10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Arkansas
Sales Tax6.5%Arkansas base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesArkansas requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Arkansas-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Arkansas

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Advance Directive.

Arkansas County Clerk

Arkansas Capital

Main Government Building, Arkansas

District County Clerk

Arkansas Metro Area

County Courthouse, AR

Document Information

Document
Advance Directive
State
Arkansas (AR)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6.5%
Notary Fee
$5-$10

Arkansas Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Arkansas may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.