As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of estate planning documents across the United States for over a decade, I can tell you that one of the most important – yet most overlooked – documents in Maine is the Maine advance directive form. This single document combines your living will and health care proxy (also called a durable power of attorney for health care) into one legally recognized form under Maine law.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide you with a completely free, attorney-reviewed Maine health care advance directive form that meets all 2025 statutory requirements under Title 18-C, Article 5, Part 8 of the Maine Revised Statutes. You can download the editable Word and PDF versions at the end of this article.
A Maine advance directive (officially titled “Advance Health-Care Directive” in Maine) is a legal document that lets you:
According to the Maine Health Care Advance Directive Form statute (18-C M.R.S. § 5-804), your directive becomes effective when your primary physician determines you lack capacity – and it remains in effect until you revoke it or pass away.
In my experience practicing in Portland, Bangor, and throughout the state, I’ve seen too many families torn apart because a loved one never completed a Maine health care proxy form or living will form Maine residents can easily access.
Maine is one of the few states that provides an official statutory form. The current version (updated after the 2019 Probate Code revision) includes:
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – appoints your agent |
| Part 2 | Individual Instructions (Living Will) – your treatment wishes |
| Part 3 | Optional: Organ donation and autopsy consent |
| Part 4 | Signature, witnesses OR notary requirements |
Source: Maine Secretary of State Official Form and 18-C M.R.S. § 5-804
Over the years, I’ve helped clients avoid common mistakes that can invalidate the entire document. Follow these steps:
Qualified witnesses must be 18+ and cannot be:
Click below to download my updated, plain-English version that includes helpful instructions on every page while remaining 100% compliant with Maine law:
Download Maine Advance Directive Form – Word .docx (Editable)
Download Maine Advance Directive Form – PDF (Fillable)
These templates are based directly on the official Maine form published by the Secretary of State and updated for 2025 compliance.
In my national practice, I’ve noticed Maine’s advance directive is more flexible than many states:
No. Maine’s form is designed for self-completion. However, I always recommend reviewing with an attorney if you have a complex family situation, blended family, or specific medical concerns.
Yes. Documents executed under the prior Title 18-A law remain valid under 18-C M.R.S. § 5-809.
Yes, but they are separate documents. Many of my clients execute both on the same day.
Maine directives are generally honored in other states under reciprocity laws, and federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1395cc) requires hospitals to ask about advance directives.
As of 2025, Maine continues to recognize electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, meaning you can now sign your advance directive electronically if using a platform compliant with Maine law.
Additionally, the Maine Legislature clarified in 2023 that telehealth providers may now determine capacity remotely – making it easier for rural Mainers to execute these documents.
Disclaimer: The information provided here and the downloadable Maine advance directive forms are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified Maine attorney or estate planning professional to ensure your documents meet your specific needs.
By taking 15 minutes today to complete your advanced directive form Maine residents trust, you’re giving your family the greatest gift possible – peace of mind.
Download your free Maine health care proxy form and living will form Maine template now and take control of your future medical care.