As a business and estate-planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Michigan residents over the past twelve years, I know how important it is to have a clear, legally valid Michigan advance directive form that combines both a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Living Will. In this article, I’m giving you a completely free, attorney-reviewed 2025 Michigan advance directives form that meets current Michigan law (MCL 700.5501–700.5520 and MCL 333.5651 et seq.). You can download the Word and PDF versions at the end of this page—no email required.
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may require customization. Always consult a licensed Michigan attorney or qualified professional before executing any legal document.
A Michigan advance directive (sometimes called “advance healthcare directive” or “medical power of attorney”) is a legal document that lets you appoint a trusted person (your patient advocate) to make medical decisions if you become unable to speak for yourself, and it allows you to write down your wishes about life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and end-of-life care.
Michigan combines two documents into one form:
According to IRS.gov and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services data, fewer than 30% of Americans have completed advance directives, yet hospitals in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and across the state see thousands of cases yearly where families fight over undefined wishes. Having a properly executed Michigan advance directives form prevents that heartbreak.
Under the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) §700.5501–5520, your advance directive must meet these requirements to be legally binding:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Signed by Principal | You must sign and date the form |
| Two Witnesses OR Notary | Michigan allows either two qualified witnesses OR notarization (most people choose witnesses because it’s faster and free) |
| Witness Restrictions | Witnesses cannot be your patient advocate, spouse, child, parent, sibling, heir, or your doctor |
| Age & Sound Mind | You must be 18+ and of sound mind when signing |
| Optional Section for Men | Michigan law requires specific acceptance language if your advocate is authorized to make end-of-life decisions (included in our template) |
Source: Michigan Legislature – MCL 700.5506 and Michigan DHHS Model Form
I’ve broken the process down so anyone can do it in under 30 minutes:
Choose someone who:
Many clients name a spouse first, adult child second, and sibling third.
Click below to download the exact same template I provide to paying clients (updated November 2025):
Download Michigan Advance Directive – Microsoft Word (.docx)
Download Michigan Advance Directive – PDF (print-and-sign)
Both files are 100% free, no signup required, and include:
No. Michigan recognizes self-prepared forms as long as they meet the statutory requirements. However, an attorney can help if you have a blended family, significant assets, or complex medical preferences.
No—the Michigan Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MI-POST) and DNR forms are separate. You can download the official MI-POST at michigan.gov/mdch.
Most states honor out-of-state advance directives under reciprocity laws, but it’s best to execute a new form in your new state.
Yes—anytime you are of sound mind. Simply complete a new form or write “REVOKED” across the old one and notify your advocate and doctor.
Give copies to:
In my twelve years helping families in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and the Upper Peninsula, I’ve seen too many cases where the absence of a simple Michigan advance directive form led to prolonged suffering, family disputes, and court battles that cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Take 20 minutes today to download and complete this free template. It’s one of the most loving gifts you can give your family.
Again, this is not legal advice—please have your completed document reviewed by a qualified Michigan attorney if you have any doubts.
Wishing you and your family peace of mind.
– Attorney Michael K. Brandon, Esq.
Michigan Bar Member since 2013