As an attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for Connecticut residents over the past twelve years, I know how important it is to have a clear, legally compliant Connecticut living will form that truly reflects your wishes. In this guide, I'll give you my professionally drafted, completely free 2025 Connecticut living will template, explain every section line-by-line, and show you exactly how to complete and execute it under Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575 to § 19a-580d).
Important Disclaimer: This article and the attached template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your personal health situation may require custom language. Always consult a qualified Connecticut estate planning attorney or your physician before finalizing any advance directive.
A Connecticut living will (officially called a “Living Will or Health Care Instructions” under state law) is a legal document that lets you specify which life-sustaining treatments you do or do not want if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Unlike a durable power of attorney for health care, which names a decision-maker, the living will speaks for you when you cannot.
According to the most recent data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, fewer than 35% of adults in the state have completed any form of advance directive. Having worked with families in Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield, and across the state, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional and financial toll when these documents are missing.
Connecticut is one of the few states that still uses a suggested statutory form (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575a). While you are not required to use the exact statutory language, doing so provides the strongest legal protection against challenges. My free template below follows the official form word-for-word where required and adds optional modern provisions I’ve successfully used for clients since 2013.
Download Connecticut Living Will Form – PDF | Download Connecticut Living Will Form – Word (.docx)
Both versions are 100% free, contain no watermarks, and are updated for Connecticut law as of November 2025.
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, and address. Connecticut does not require your Social Security number on the living will.
Although this is technically a separate document, Connecticut law allows you to combine the living will and health care proxy in one form. I always recommend naming at least one representative and two alternates.
This is the core of your CT living will. You have four main choices:
Connecticut law automatically suspends most living will restrictions if you are pregnant. You may opt out of this protection with explicit language.
Connecticut requires:
Notarization is NOT required for the living will itself (though it is for the optional power of attorney section).
| Name: | Jane Elizabeth Doe |
| Date of Birth: | March 15, 1965 |
| Choice Selected: | I direct that life-support systems be withheld or withdrawn if I have an incurable and irreversible injury, disease, or illness judged terminal... |
| Pain Relief: | I want to receive medication necessary to alleviate pain and suffering even if it hastens death. |
| Artificial Nutrition: | I do NOT want artificial nutrition and hydration if I am permanently unconscious. |
Yes. The form in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-575a has not changed since 1995 and remains the gold standard. Source: Connecticut General Statutes Title 19a and CT Department of Public Health.
No, but having one review it prevents costly mistakes (especially around artificial nutrition and pregnancy provisions).
Absolutely. Connecticut’s official combined form is available on the Office of the Probate Court Administrator website, and my template follows the same format.
In my decade-plus of practice, the most common regret I hear from families is “We wish Mom had put her wishes in writing.” A properly executed Connecticut living will form removes guesswork and prevents the heartbreaking court battles I’ve unfortunately witnessed in Superior Court probate divisions across the state.
Download the free template above, fill it out thoughtfully, discuss it with your loved ones, and sleep better knowing your voice will be heard when you need it most.
Remember: This is not legal advice. Schedule a consultation with a licensed Connecticut attorney to tailor these documents to your exact needs.
Updated November 2025 – Always verify current law at IRS.gov, cga.ct.gov, or portal.ct.gov/DPH.