Living Will Requirements in Michigan
Michigan has no general living will statute; its statutory document is the patient advocate designation, which must be signed in the presence of two qualified witnesses.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Michigan at a glance
- Name of the document
- Patient Advocate Designation
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Notarization
- Optional
The rules in Michigan
What is a living will called in Michigan?
In Michigan, the document is called the Patient Advocate Designation.
Does a living will need witnesses in Michigan?
Michigan requires two witnesses.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Michigan?
No. Notarization is optional in Michigan.
Where do the Michigan rules for living wills come from?
They come from MCL 700.5506. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Michigan compares
Michigan is one of 25 jurisdictions that make notarization optional.
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.