How to Write a Advance Directive in Louisiana (2026 Guide)
Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated
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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE State of Louisiana PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT I, [YOUR NAME], of [ADDRESS], Louisiana LA, 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 Louisiana law (LA Statutes). It shall remain in effect until revoked. DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____ WITNESS 1: _____________________ DATE: _____ WITNESS 2: _____________________ DATE: _____ NOTARY (if required in Louisiana): Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__. Notary Public: _____________________
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 Louisiana has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Advance Directive Costs in Louisiana
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Louisiana standard rate: $25-$50 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Louisiana |
| Sales Tax | 4.45% | Louisiana base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | Louisiana requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
FAQ: Advance Directive in Louisiana
Is a Advance Directive required in Louisiana?
Yes, in Louisiana, a Advance Directive is required for most transactions of this type. Under Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
Notarization requirements in Louisiana (LA) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $25-$50. 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 Louisiana?
Louisiana has a base sales tax rate of 4.45%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Advance Directive Legal Guide
Under Louisiana jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.
Under Louisiana State Code, residents of Louisiana must ensure this Advance Directive complies with all state requirements. The current sales tax rate is 4.45%, and notarization costs between $25-$50. Two witnesses are mandatory in LA.
By utilizing this state-specific template, you avoid common mistakes that could invalidate your document in Louisiana.
Smart Practices for LA Compliance
Louisiana has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current LA statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Louisiana may need updating for 2026.
Legal Validity & Enforcement
Once properly executed, your Advance Directive is legally binding in Louisiana and enforceable in LA courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. Louisiana courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable LA statutes.
Completing Your Advance Directive
The process in Louisiana is straightforward but detail-oriented. Begin with the header information, proceed through each section methodically, and ensure all LA-required fields are completed. Louisiana courts take document completeness seriously — missing information can delay or invalidate your filing.
LA Compliance Checklist
Before finalizing your Advance Directive, verify that it meets Louisiana's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by LA statute
Once properly executed, your Advance Directive is legally binding in Louisiana and enforceable in LA courts. The document remains valid for the duration specified in its terms. Louisiana courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable LA statutes.
Completing Your Advance Directive
The process in Louisiana is straightforward but detail-oriented. Begin with the header information, proceed through each section methodically, and ensure all LA-required fields are completed. Louisiana courts take document completeness seriously — missing information can delay or invalidate your filing.
LA Compliance Checklist
Before finalizing your Advance Directive, verify that it meets Louisiana's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by LA statute
Before finalizing your Advance Directive, verify that it meets Louisiana's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by LA statute
Louisiana Advance Directive Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Advance Directive is legally valid in Louisiana.
Louisiana Notarization
Louisiana requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $25-$50.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In Louisiana, a 4.45% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. Louisiana law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
Louisiana Filing Deadlines
Check Louisiana deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
Where to File Your Advance Directive in Louisiana
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Advance Directive.
Louisiana County Clerk
Louisiana Capital
Main Government Building, Louisiana
District County Clerk
Louisiana Metro Area
County Courthouse, LA
Other Forms in Louisiana
Advance Directive in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Advance Directive
- State
- Louisiana (LA)
- Category
- Estate Planning
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 4.45%
- Notary Fee
- $25-$50
Louisiana 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 Louisiana may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.