Official Indiana Advance Directive Form | Step-by-Step Guide

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 7%Notary: $10Witnesses: 1

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Indiana

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

I, [YOUR NAME], of [ADDRESS], Indiana IN, 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 Indiana law (IN Statutes). It shall remain in effect until revoked.

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

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

NOTARY (if required in Indiana):
Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__.
Notary Public: _____________________
SMJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Sarah Mitchell, J.D.

Legal Document Specialist

Licensed Attorney, 15+ years experience

Specializes in contract law and legal document preparation

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

Last reviewed: March 2026

Advance Directive Costs in Indiana

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Indiana standard rate: $10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Indiana
Sales Tax7%Indiana base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Indiana-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Advance Directive in Indiana

Is a Advance Directive required in Indiana?

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

Does a Advance Directive need to be notarized in Indiana?

Notarization requirements in Indiana (IN) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $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 Indiana?

Indiana has a base sales tax rate of 7%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Indiana 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.

Indiana Advance Directive Requirements

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

1 witness 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

Indiana Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Indiana, it is recommended. Fees range from $10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Indiana, a 7% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

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

Indiana Filing Deadlines

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

Indiana Advance Directive Legal Guide

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

For Indiana (IN) residents, this Advance Directive is governed by Indiana State Code. Important details: sales tax at 7%, notary costs of $10, and a requirement for 1 witness. The document has indefinite validity once properly executed.

This professionally drafted form provides peace of mind knowing you're compliant with all Indiana legal requirements.

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

Step-by-Step Process

1. **Download the template** — Our Indiana-specific form includes all fields required by IN law.
2. **Enter your information** — Fill in names, addresses, dates, and transaction details accurately.
3. **Review carefully** — Double-check all entries against your source documents.
4. **Sign and witness** — Execute the document according to Indiana's signature requirements.
5. **Notarize if needed** — Some Indiana transactions require notarization.
6. **File or distribute** — Provide copies to all parties and file with the appropriate Indiana office if required.

Enforceability in Indiana

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

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Indiana attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with IN law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when Indiana law changes

Indiana Statutory Requirements

The IN legislature has established specific guidelines for advance directive documents. These include proper execution formalities, witness requirements, and in some cases, mandatory filing with the county clerk's office. Non-compliance can result in legal complications.

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Indiana

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

Indiana County Clerk

Indiana Capital

Main Government Building, Indiana

District County Clerk

Indiana Metro Area

County Courthouse, IN

Document Information

Document
Advance Directive
State
Indiana (IN)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
7%
Notary Fee
$10

Indiana 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 Indiana may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.