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

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 5.5%Notary: $5-$10Witnesses: 1

Document Preview


ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Maine

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

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

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

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

NOTARY (if required in Maine):
Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__.
Notary Public: _____________________
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 Maine has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Advance Directive Costs in Maine

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Maine standard rate: $5-$10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Maine
Sales Tax5.5%Maine base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Maine-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Advance Directive in Maine

Is a Advance Directive required in Maine?

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

Notarization requirements in Maine (ME) 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 Maine?

Maine has a base sales tax rate of 5.5%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Maine 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.

Maine Advance Directive Legal Guide

According to Maine laws, this agreement holds legal weight once properly signed and notarized, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Pursuant to Maine State Code in Maine, this Advance Directive must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 5.5%. Notarization, which costs $5-$10 in ME, is strongly recommended. 1 witness is needed.

By utilizing this state-specific template, you avoid common mistakes that could invalidate your document in Maine.

healthcare agentmedical proxylife-sustaining treatmentincapacityhealthcare decisionsorgan donationend-of-life care
Maine residents searching for a reliable Advance Directive template have come to the right place. Our form is tailored to ME statutory requirements and updated for 2026, giving you a legally sound starting point.

How to Complete This Form

Start by gathering all necessary information: party names, addresses, and relevant details specific to your transaction. Maine law under ME requires accuracy in every field. Once completed, have all parties review the document before signing. Depending on the transaction type, Maine may require notarization or witness signatures.

Expert Recommendations

Legal professionals in Maine recommend:
- Always use a state-specific template compliant with ME statutes
- Have documents reviewed before signing high-value agreements
- File copies with the appropriate Maine government office when required
- Update your documents annually to reflect any changes in ME law

Legal Validity & Enforcement

Once properly executed, your Advance Directive is legally binding in Maine and enforceable in ME courts. The document remains valid indefinitely unless revoked or superseded. Maine courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable ME statutes.

What Maine Law Requires

Maine's statutes are clear: a valid Advance Directive must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under ME law can render the document unenforceable.

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Maine

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

Maine County Clerk

Maine Capital

Main Government Building, Maine

District County Clerk

Maine Metro Area

County Courthouse, ME

Maine Advance Directive Requirements

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

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

Maine Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Maine, it is recommended. Fees range from $5-$10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Maine, a 5.5% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

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

Maine Filing Deadlines

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

Document Information

Document
Advance Directive
State
Maine (ME)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
5.5%
Notary Fee
$5-$10

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