As an attorney who has drafted and reviewed 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 New Jersey is the Advance Directive for Healthcare (commonly called the NJ Advance Directive). This single form combines your Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare into one compliant document recognized under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 26:2H-53 et seq.).
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about advance directive forms in NJ, why they matter, who needs one, and – most importantly – provide you with a completely free, attorney-reviewed 2025 New Jersey Advance Directive PDF template that meets current statutory requirements.
A New Jersey Advance Directive is a legal document that lets you appoint a healthcare representative (also called a proxy or agent) and spell out your wishes for medical treatment if you become unable to speak for yourself due to terminal illness, permanent coma, severe dementia, or other incapacitating conditions.
New Jersey is one of the few states that combines both components into a single statutory form under the New Jersey Advance Directives for Health Care Act (1991) and the subsequent Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) framework.
In my practice, I’ve seen families torn apart because a loved one never completed an advance directive form in New Jersey. Without clear written instructions:
Having a properly executed NJ Advance Directive eliminates guesswork and gives you control.
The current New Jersey Advance Directive contains three main sections:
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Appointment of Health Care Representative | Names your primary and alternate proxies who can make ANY healthcare decision |
| 2. Instruction Directive (Living Will) | States your preferences for life-sustaining treatment in three specific scenarios: terminal condition, permanent unconsciousness, and end-stage disease |
| 3. Signature & Witness Requirements | Must be signed in front of two qualified witnesses OR a notary public |
Many clients confuse the Advance Directive with the purple POLST form. Here’s the distinction:
You can (and should) have both when appropriate.
Step-by-step guidance based on current NJ law:
Click here to download the free attorney-reviewed New Jersey Advance Directive Form (PDF)
This template is updated for 2025 and complies with N.J.S.A. 26:2H-53 through 26:2H-91 and the most recent guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health.
New Jersey law allows almost anyone 18+ except:
Most people choose a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend who knows their values well.
In my decade-plus reviewing these forms, the most frequent errors I see:
Review your advance directive in NJ every 3-5 years or after major life events:
Simply complete a new form – the most recent one supersedes all prior versions.
The New Jersey Department of Health provides the statutory form here: https://www.nj.gov/health/advancedirective/
Our free downloadable template follows the exact statutory language required under New Jersey law while presenting it in a cleaner, more user-friendly format.
No. The form is designed for self-completion. However, consulting an estate planning attorney is wise if you have a complex family situation or significant assets.
No. Five Wishes is not statutory in New Jersey and may not be honored without additional documentation.
Minor handwritten changes are acceptable if initialed and dated, but it’s cleaner to complete a fresh form.
No statewide registry exists in New Jersey (unlike some states). You are responsible for distributing copies.
After helping thousands of New Jersey families, I can say with certainty: completing your New Jersey Advance Directive is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones. It removes burden during the worst moments of their lives and ensures your voice is heard when you can no longer speak.
Download your free NJ Advance Directive Form PDF today, have that conversation with your family, and gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be respected.
Download Now: Free 2025 New Jersey Advance Directive Template (PDF)
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified New Jersey attorney or healthcare professional to ensure your advance directive meets your specific needs and current legal requirements. Template last reviewed November 2025.