Living Will Requirements in West Virginia
A West Virginia living will must be signed before two adult witnesses, and the signatures of the principal and witnesses must be acknowledged before a notary public.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
West Virginia at a glance
- Name of the document
- Living Will
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Notarization
- Required, plus witnesses
The rules in West Virginia
What is a living will called in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the document is called the Living Will.
Does a living will need witnesses in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires two witnesses.
Does a living will need to be notarized in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia requires a notary in addition to the witnesses.
Where do the West Virginia rules for living wills come from?
They come from W. Va. Code 16-30-4. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia is one of 3 jurisdictions that require both witnesses and a notary.
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.