Putting It In Writing First
20 Pa.C.S. 5452 — dated, signed, and two witnesses 18 or older
In Pennsylvania, an individual of sound mind may make a health care power of attorney or a living will if 18 years of age or older, a high school graduate, married, or an emancipated minor.
Dated, signed and witnessed. A health care power of attorney is dated and signed by the principal, by signature or mark, or by another individual at the principal's specific direction if the principal cannot sign, and it is witnessed by two individuals, each 18 years of age or older.
The same for a living will. A living will, governing the start, continuation, withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, is dated, signed and witnessed the same way, by two individuals 18 years of age or older.
Who cannot sign or witness. Someone who signs on the principal's behalf may not also witness, and a health care provider or its agent who provides care to the principal may not sign on the principal's behalf.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionOnly an adult can make one | What the law actually doesA high school graduate, a married person or an emancipated minor may also make one |
| The assumptionA notary is required | What the law actually doesThe statute requires a date, a signature and two witnesses 18 or older |
When the documents take effect, the duties of a health care agent, and financial powers of attorney are not all on this page. What a particular situation carries is a question for a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- 20 Pa.C.S. 5452 — Health care power of attorney: execution
- 20 Pa.C.S. 5442 — Living will: execution
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.