Free Printable Arkansas Advance Directive & Requirements
Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated
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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.
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.
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.
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.
- **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.
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 Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Arkansas standard rate: $5-$10 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Arkansas |
| Sales Tax | 6.5% | Arkansas base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | Arkansas requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
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
Other Forms in Arkansas
Advance Directive in Neighboring States
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.