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

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $2Witnesses: 2

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Kentucky

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

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

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

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

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

Advance Directive Costs in Kentucky

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Notary Fee	$5-$15 (if required)	Kentucky standard rate: $2
Filing Fee	Varies by state	State registration (if applicable)
Processing Time	1-3 business days	Typical turnaround in Kentucky
Sales Tax	6%	Kentucky base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement	2 witnesses	Kentucky requires multiple witnesses
Our Template	FREE	Download instantly, no cost

Fees shown are Kentucky-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Advance Directive in Kentucky

Is a Advance Directive required in Kentucky?

Yes, in Kentucky, a Advance Directive is required for most transactions of this type. Under Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Notarization requirements in Kentucky (KY) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $2. 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 Kentucky?

Kentucky has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Kentucky 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.

MCE

Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

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

Last reviewed: March 2026

Kentucky Advance Directive Legal Guide

In Kentucky, this document is legally binding under local statutes and provides essential protection for both parties involved in the transaction.

Kentucky law (Kentucky State Code) governs this Advance Directive. Key financial considerations include a 6% sales tax rate and notary fees of $2. The document requires 2 witnesses and remains valid indefinite.

This document offers comprehensive legal protection tailored specifically to Kentucky's unique statutory framework.

healthcare agentmedical proxylife-sustaining treatmentincapacityhealthcare decisionsorgan donationend-of-life care

A properly executed Advance Directive in Kentucky protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with KY state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

Getting It Done Right in Kentucky

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

Smart Practices for KY Compliance

Kentucky has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current KY statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Kentucky may need updating for 2026.

How Kentucky Courts View This Document

Kentucky courts apply KY statutory standards when evaluating a Advance Directive. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.

Kentucky Statutory Requirements

The KY 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.

Kentucky Advance Directive Requirements

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

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

Kentucky Notarization

Kentucky requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $2.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Kentucky, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

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

Kentucky Filing Deadlines

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

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Kentucky

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

Kentucky County Clerk

Kentucky Capital

Main Government Building, Kentucky

District County Clerk

Kentucky Metro Area

County Courthouse, KY

Other Forms in Kentucky

Advance Directive in Neighboring States

Document Information

Document: Advance Directive
State: Kentucky (KY)
Category: Estate Planning
Format: PDF / Word / Print
Cost: 100% Free
Sales Tax: 6%
Notary Fee: $2

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