[CT] Does a medical directive in Connecticut need to be notarized to be legally valid, or are witnesses sufficient?

CT Estate Planning

Does my medical directive need to be notarized?

February 3, 2026

Legal Eagle

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The short answer is that in Connecticut, a standard advance health care directive—such as a living will or an appointment of a health care representative—does not need to be notarized to be legally valid.

Connecticut law requires that the directive be signed by the principal in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the document. This requirement is set out in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575a and § 19a-576. The person you appoint as your health care representative may not serve as a witness, and at least one witness must not be related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, or entitled to any portion of your estate.

Notarization is not required for the directive itself. However, Connecticut provides an optional “witnesses’ affidavit” under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575a(d). This affidavit is a sworn statement by the witnesses affirming that the directive was properly executed and that you appeared to be of sound mind. If you choose to use this affidavit, it must be notarized or signed before an attorney, but its use is entirely optional and not a condition of validity.

Including the witnesses’ affidavit can be helpful if the directive is later questioned or challenged, but a properly executed directive with two qualified witnesses is legally effective in Connecticut even without notarization.

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Does my medical directive need to be notarized?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand the importance of ensuring your medical directive is properly executed. Are you looking to have your medical directive notarized for legal purposes?

Yes.

Lexi, Chatbot

In which state are you located, as the requirements for notarizing medical directives can vary depending on the state’s laws?

CT.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with notarizing your medical directive in CT.

Ok, thank you.

Legal Eagle

Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I am an attorney specializing in your area of law. I am more than happy to help you with your situation. Can you tell me more about the specific type of medical directive you’re looking to notarize, such as a living will or a power of attorney for healthcare?

I used the medical directive form from eForms. It lists two witnesses, however it does not have a notary.

Legal Eagle

Understood. So you’re just wondering what you need to do here, correct?

Yes.

Legal Eagle

Ok. Did you need to tell me anything else? If not, I can start with answering your question.

I don’t believe so.

Legal Eagle

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Legal Eagle

Does that help clarify things? I want to make sure I didn’t leave anything out.

Yes, it does.

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Yes, you did. It’s perfect.

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