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Living Will Requirements in Nebraska

A Nebraska declaration must be signed and either witnessed by two adults or acknowledged by a notary public.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Nebraska at a glance

Name of the document
Declaration
Witnesses
2 witnesses
Or a notary instead of witnesses
Notarization
Instead of witnesses

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Nebraska

What is a living will called in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the document is called the Declaration.

Does a living will need witnesses in Nebraska?

Nebraska requires two witnesses, or a notary instead.

Does a living will need to be notarized in Nebraska?

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

Where do the Nebraska rules for living wills come from?

They come from Neb. Rev. Stat. 20-404. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Nebraska compares

Nebraska 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.