As a business and estate-planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Georgia residents over the past twelve years, I can tell you that the single most common regret I hear from families is, “We wish Mom or Dad had put their wishes in writing.” A properly executed Georgia advance healthcare directive (also called a Georgia living will or advance directive for health care) eliminates guesswork, reduces family conflict, and ensures your medical preferences are honored when you can’t speak for yourself.
In this guide, I’ll give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed Georgia advance directive for healthcare form that combines both the living will and durable health care power of attorney in one document — exactly what Georgia law recommends. You can download the fillable PDF at the end of this article, customize it in minutes, and have it witnessed or notarized today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Georgia attorney or qualified professional before finalizing any legal document.
Under O.C.G.A. § 31-32-1 et seq. (Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care Act, effective since July 1, 2007 and most recently amended in 2023), the Georgia advance directive for health care replaced the old separate “Living Will” and “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care” forms. The new statutory form combines both into one streamlined document.
Your completed Georgia health care directive lets you:
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, fewer than 30% of Georgia adults have completed an advance directive — leaving families and doctors to guess during the most stressful moments imaginable.
In my practice, the clients who benefit most from a Georgia advance directive for health care are not always the elderly. I’ve helped 25-year-olds after car accidents, 40-year-olds diagnosed with sudden cancer, and 55-year-olds suffering unexpected strokes. Georgia law honors your directive regardless of age as long as you were 18+ and of sound mind when you signed it.
Key benefits include:
I have updated the template below to reflect the exact language of the official Georgia statutory form (O.C.G.A. § 31-32-14) while adding helpful instructions and optional clauses many of my clients request (mental health preferences, religious considerations, HIPAA release, etc.).
Download Links:
Choose someone you trust completely. Georgia allows you to name a primary agent and up to two alternates. I always recommend naming at least one alternate in case your first choice is unavailable.
Tip from experience: Do NOT name co-agents who might disagree with each other. Georgia law requires joint agents to act unanimously agree — one “no” can block treatment.
The form offers four standard options plus a completely customizable “Other Instructions” section. Most clients choose either:
You can also specify preferences about artificial nutrition/hydration, pain medication (even if it hastens death), and organ donation.
If a court ever needs to appoint a guardian, this section tells the judge exactly who you want.
Georgia requires either:
Witnesses cannot be your health care agent, your alternate agents, or anyone who would inherit from you.
| Section | Example Language |
|---|---|
| Health Care Agent | I appoint my spouse, Jane Marie Doe, of 123 Peach Street, Atlanta, GA 30301, phone (404) 555-0199 as my agent. |
| Alternate Agent | If Jane is unable, I appoint my daughter Sarah Doe, of ... |
| Treatment Preference | I select Option 2 – I do NOT want treatment to prolong dying if I am in a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state. |
| Additional Instructions | I want maximum pain relief even if it hastens death. I decline tube feeding if I can no longer eat by mouth. I wish to donate usable organs. |
Yes. Any advance directive executed on the 2007 statutory form remains fully valid. However, using the newest version ensures clarity for modern medical situations (e.g., mechanical ventilation decisions).
No. The Georgia legislature intentionally made the statutory form simple enough for self-completion. I provide templates because many people want extra options and plain-English guidance.
Yes — anytime, by destroying all copies, creating a new one, or simply telling your doctor verbally (if you have capacity).
Generally yes, under O.C.G.A. § 31-32-14, but Georgia hospitals prefer the Georgia-specific form to avoid confusion.
Completing your free Georgia advance healthcare directive is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. In twelve years of practice, I have never had a client regret completing one — but I have comforted countless families who wished their loved one had.
Download the 2025 Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care form below, fill it out with your loved ones present, sign it today, and rest easier knowing your voice will be heard — no matter what tomorrow brings.
Download Your Free Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care Form Now:
Sources: Georgia Code Title 31 Chapter 32 (via legislature.ga.gov), Georgia Department of Public Health Advance Directive information (dph.georgia.gov), IRS recognition of advance directives for tax-free gifting of the document (irs.gov).
This article was last medically and legally reviewed November 2025.