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Living Will Requirements in Kentucky

Kentucky's living will directive must be in writing, dated and signed, and either witnessed by two adults or acknowledged before a notary public.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Kentucky at a glance

Name of the document
Living Will Directive
Witnesses
2 witnesses
Or a notary instead of witnesses
Notarization
Instead of witnesses

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Kentucky

What is a living will called in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the document is called the Living Will Directive.

Does a living will need witnesses in Kentucky?

Kentucky requires two witnesses, or a notary instead.

Does a living will need to be notarized in Kentucky?

Only if you do not use witnesses. Kentucky accepts a notary as an alternative to witnesses.

Where do the Kentucky rules for living wills come from?

They come from KRS 311.625 Form of living will directive. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Kentucky compares

Kentucky is one of 22 jurisdictions that accept a notary instead of witnesses.

What this means in practice

Give copies to your doctor, your health care agent and close family, and keep the original where it can be found quickly. A living will that nobody can find cannot help.

Many states have rules about who may serve as a witness, for example excluding relatives or your health care providers. Check the statute before you sign.

Review the document after a major diagnosis, a move to another state or a change in your wishes.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.