Download your free New Jersey Living Will template below. As a business and estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of advance directives for New Jersey residents over the past twelve years, I created this updated 2025 template to meet the exact requirements of New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 26:2H-53 et seq.). A New Jersey living will, also called an Advance Directive for Health Care, lets you specify your end-of-life medical wishes and appoint a health care proxy – and it costs nothing to download and complete properly.
A New Jersey living will is a legal document that combines two critical components: (1) your instruction directive (your specific wishes about life-sustaining treatment) and (2) your proxy directive (naming a health care representative to make decisions if you cannot speak for yourself). Unlike many states that require separate forms, New Jersey merged both into one Advance Directive in 1991 and updated the statutory form language most recently in 2023.
In my practice, I’ve seen families torn apart when no living will exists. Having a valid New Jersey living will template completed in advance prevents doctors from keeping you on machines indefinitely against your wishes and spares your loved ones from making heart-wrenching guesses.
Under New Jersey Statute 26:2H-55, your living will form NJ must:
Source: New Jersey Department of Health – Advance Directive Form and N.J.S.A. 26:2H-55
Important Disclaimer: This free living will form New Jersey template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or qualified professional to ensure your document meets your specific needs.
Download New Jersey Living Will Template – Microsoft Word (.docx)
Download New Jersey Living Will Template – PDF (Print & Fill)
Follow these steps I give every client in my New Jersey office:
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using an out-of-state form | May be rejected by NJ hospitals |
| Leaving sections blank | Courts default to continuing treatment |
| Witness is the named proxy | Entire document becomes invalid |
| Failing to update after marriage/divorce | Ex-spouse may still have authority |
Many clients confuse the two. Here’s the simple breakdown I use in consultations:
You need the living will first. The POLST comes later if you become seriously ill.
No. The statute specifically says any competent adult can complete the form without an attorney. However, I always recommend at least a 30-minute consultation for complex families or large estates.
Never. Any alteration voids the document. Download a fresh copy and start over.
Generally yes if they substantially comply, but hospitals prefer the exact New Jersey format.
Register it with the New Jersey Advance Directive Registry at nj.gov/health/advancedirective or use DocuBank – both allow 24/7 emergency access.
In my twelve years helping Garden State families, the single biggest regret I hear at the hospital bedside is “We never got around to it.” A New Jersey living will takes less than 20 minutes to complete and costs nothing with the free template above. Download your New Jersey living will template today, have the conversation with your loved ones, and gain peace of mind that your wishes will be honored.
Again, this free living will form New Jersey is not legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may require customization. Schedule time with a qualified professional before finalizing any estate planning document.
– [Your Name], Esq.
New Jersey Bar Member since 2013
Specializing in Advance Directives & Estate Planning