Free New Hampshire Advance Directive Form (Living Will & Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare) – 2025 Updated Template

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As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for New Hampshire residents over the past decade, I know how important it is to have a clear, legally compliant living will form in New Hampshire that truly reflects your wishes. In this guide, I’m providing you with a completely free, attorney-reviewed NH advance directive form that combines both a living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare in one document – exactly the format recognized under RSA 137-J.

Below you’ll find the downloadable template, step-by-step instructions, and everything you need to complete your New Hampshire advance directive correctly in 2025.

Download Free New Hampshire Advance Directive Form (PDF) – Updated 2025

What Is a New Hampshire Advance Directive?

A New Hampshire advance directive (sometimes called an NH living will form or NH advance directive form 2021 even though the law was updated) is a single legal document that serves two critical purposes under New Hampshire law (RSA 137-J):

• Living Will – Your written instructions about life-sustaining treatment (ventilator, feeding tube, etc.) if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.
• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare – Naming a trusted person (your “agent”) to make medical decisions for you when you cannot speak for yourself.

Since 2021, New Hampshire has used one combined form rather than separate documents. My free template follows the exact statutory requirements in 2025.

Why You Need an NH Advance Directive in 2025

I’ve seen too many families torn apart in Concord Hospital or Dartmouth-Hitchcock because Mom or Dad never put their wishes in writing. Without a valid New Hampshire advance directive form, doctors default to the statutory surrogate list (spouse → adult children → parents → siblings), and disagreements can delay care or lead to court battles.

Having your living will form New Hampshire completed gives you:

• Control over end-of-life care
• Clear guidance for your loved ones
• Compliance with HIPAA so your agent can access medical records
• Peace of mind that your values will be honored

Free Download: New Hampshire Advance Directive Form 2025

Click here to download the free NH Advance Directive Form (PDF)
(Last updated January 2025 – complies with RSA 137-J as amended)

The template includes:

• Official statutory language required by New Hampshire
• Optional sections for organ donation, religious preferences, and specific limitations
• Built-in HIPAA release
• Witness/notary section that satisfies NH law

How to Properly Complete Your New Hampshire Living Will Form

Follow these steps I give every client in my office:

1. Download and print two copies of the NH advance directive form.
2. Read the entire form first – especially Part I (Living Will) and Part II (Durable Power of Attorney).
3. Choose your agent wisely – This person should be over 18, live in or near New Hampshire, and be willing to advocate for you. You can name alternates.
4. Decide on life-sustaining treatment:
   • Option A: I want treatment to prolong life as long as possible
   • Option B: I want comfort care only (most common choice)
   • Option C: Write your own specific instructions
5. Initial only one box in the life-sustaining treatment section – this is the most common mistake I see.
6. Sign and date in front of two witnesses OR a notary public.
   New Hampshire allows either method, but hospitals prefer notarized copies.

Who Can Be a Witness in New Hampshire?

• Must be 18 or older
• Cannot be your healthcare agent or alternate agent
• Cannot be your healthcare provider or their employee

Where to Store Your Completed NH Advance Directive

In my experience, the biggest problem isn’t completing the form – it’s making sure doctors can find it when needed.

Best Locations	Why
New Hampshire Registry (free online)	https://www.nh.gov/advance-directive
With your named agent	They’ll be making decisions
Your primary care doctor	Scanned into your chart
Wallet card (“I have an advance directive”)	EMTs will look for it

Frequently Asked Questions About the NH Living Will Form

Is the 2021 form still valid in 2025?

Yes. The 2021 revision of RSA 137-J remains in effect with no major changes through 2025. My template reflects the current law.

Do I need an attorney to complete a New Hampshire advance directive?

No. The form is designed for self-completion. I provide it free because everyone deserves access. However, if you have a complex estate or blended family, I always recommend a consultation.

Can I change my mind after signing?

Absolutely. You can revoke or replace your NH advance directive form at any time by destroying all copies and notifying your agent and doctor.

Does New Hampshire recognize out-of-state advance directives?

Generally yes, but completing the NH-specific form eliminates confusion.

Legal Requirements Summary (RSA 137-J)

• Must be signed by person 18+ of sound mind
• Two witnesses OR notary public
• No specific wording required beyond the statutory suggestions
• Remains valid after incapacity (“durable”)
• Source: New Hampshire RSA 137-J

Final Thoughts from a New Hampshire Estate Attorney

I’ve sat with families at bedsides in Portsmouth, Lebanon, and Manchester when there was no advance directive. The conversations are painful and unnecessary. Taking 20 minutes today to download and complete this free New Hampshire advance directive form is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

Download Your Free NH Advance Directive Form Now

Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change. Always consult a qualified New Hampshire attorney or healthcare professional for your specific situation.

Sources:
- New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated 137-J (gencourt.state.nh.us)
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Advance Directive Registry

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