Free Printable Massachusetts Advance Directive & Requirements

Medical care instructions if you become incapacitated

Sales Tax: 6.25%Notary: $10Witnesses: 1

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ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE
State of Massachusetts

PART I — APPOINTMENT OF HEALTHCARE AGENT

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

DECLARANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

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

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

Massachusetts Advance Directive Requirements

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

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

Massachusetts Notarization

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

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Massachusetts, a 6.25% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

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

Massachusetts Filing Deadlines

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

Advance Directive Costs in Massachusetts

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Massachusetts standard rate: $10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Massachusetts
Sales Tax6.25%Massachusetts base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement1 witnessSingle witness sufficient
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Massachusetts-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Advance Directive in Massachusetts

Is a Advance Directive required in Massachusetts?

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

Notarization requirements in Massachusetts (MA) 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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has a base sales tax rate of 6.25%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Advance Directive, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Where to File Your Advance Directive in Massachusetts

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

Massachusetts County Clerk

Massachusetts Capital

Main Government Building, Massachusetts

District County Clerk

Massachusetts Metro Area

County Courthouse, MA

Massachusetts Advance Directive Legal Guide

Under Massachusetts jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.

In Massachusetts, according to Massachusetts State Code, a 6.25% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in MA typically range from $10. A single witness signature is sufficient under state law.

Ensure your transaction is legally sound in Massachusetts with this expertly crafted, state-compliant template.

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

Your Massachusetts Filing Guide

After downloading, take your time filling in each section. MA statutes require that all information be accurate and current. Once signed by all parties, determine whether Massachusetts requires you to file the document with a government office, record it with the county, or simply retain it for your records.

What Massachusetts Attorneys Want You to Know

Practicing lawyers in Massachusetts emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with MA statutes. A well-prepared Advance Directive saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Massachusetts-licensed attorney is worth the investment.

Enforceability in Massachusetts

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

What Massachusetts Law Requires

Massachusetts'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 MA law can render the document unenforceable.

Document Information

Document
Advance Directive
State
Massachusetts (MA)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6.25%
Notary Fee
$10

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