Does Georgia have a standard advance directive form?

Yes. Georgia law provides an optional statutory form (O.C.G.A. § 31-32-4). It is a useful starting point, and we often add more detailed instructions that give your agent clearer guidance on common decisions.

How many witnesses do I need for a Georgia advance directive?

Two adult witnesses are required (O.C.G.A. § 31-32-5). A witness cannot be your health care agent, anyone who would knowingly inherit from you or otherwise benefit financially from your death, or anyone directly involved in your health care, and no more than one witness may work at a facility where you are receiving care. A notary is not required.

What if my family disagrees with my healthcare directive?

A properly executed advance directive is legally binding in Georgia. If a family member attempts to override it, your healthcare agent has legal authority to enforce your wishes. This is one reason choosing a clear-headed, decisive agent is so important.

Should I give my doctor a copy of my directive?

Yes. Keep the original somewhere easy to find, and give copies to your health care agent, your primary care physician, and any specialist treating a serious condition.

Estate Planning

Healthcare Directives Attorney in Northeast Georgia

Your Medical Wishes, Legally Protected.

A healthcare directive tells your doctors and loved ones what care you want, and what you do not want, if you cannot speak for yourself. GA Law Group prepares advance directives that comply with Georgia law and hold up when they are needed.

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Georgia's Advance Directive for Health Care (O.C.G.A. § 31-32-1 et seq.) combines the functions of a traditional living will and a healthcare power of attorney into a single document. When properly executed, it gives your healthcare agent legal authority, and a provider who will not follow it on grounds of conscience must help transfer your care to one who will. It gives your agent clear authority to make decisions consistent with your wishes.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Your healthcare agent (sometimes called a healthcare proxy) can make treatment decisions for you when you cannot, including decisions about surgery, hospitalization, medication, and end-of-life care. Choosing the right agent, and giving them clear guidance, is as important as the document itself.

Living Will Provisions

The directive can specify your preferences about life-prolonging treatment, artificial nutrition and hydration, comfort care, organ donation, and disposition of remains. These instructions guide both your agent and your providers, which helps prevent family conflict and keeps your values at the center of your care.

POLST and Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders

For clients with serious illness or advanced age, a Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form translates your wishes into physician orders that emergency personnel must follow. We make sure these orders and your advance directive say the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthcare Directives FAQ

: Yes. Georgia law provides an optional statutory form (O.C.G.A. § 31-32-4). It is a useful starting point, and we often add more detailed instructions that give your agent clearer guidance on common decisions.
: Two adult witnesses are required (O.C.G.A. § 31-32-5). A witness cannot be your health care agent, anyone who would knowingly inherit from you or otherwise benefit financially from your death, or anyone directly involved in your health care, and no more than one witness may work at a facility where you are receiving care. A notary is not required.
: A properly executed advance directive is legally binding in Georgia. If a family member attempts to override it, your healthcare agent has legal authority to enforce your wishes. This is one reason choosing a clear-headed, decisive agent is so important.
: Yes. Keep the original somewhere easy to find, and give copies to your health care agent, your primary care physician, and any specialist treating a serious condition.

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GA Law Group handles healthcare directives matters throughout Northeast Georgia. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.

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