Iowa Living Will Statute

The following chart outlines the main provisions of the living will laws in iowa.

Iowa living will statute. To create a valid living will or declaration relating to the use of life sustaining procedures in iowa you must. Federal law now requires medical facilities to inform patients before they are admitted of the right to sign a health care power of attorney or a living will. Both a living will declaration and a life prolonging procedures will declaration require two witnesses. A person s right to make choices about their treatment is protected by federal and state laws.

Statutes governing iowa s will requirements. Laws in each state define when a living will goes into effect and can limit the treatments that apply. A living will puts your wishes about medical care at the end of life into writing. Www aging iowa gov an effort has been made to answer as many questions as could be anticipated on the subject of advance directives.

A life sustaining procedure is any medical procedure treatment or. Not valid if pregnant. Report from the legal services corporation on the iowa legal aid quality of service. Iowa estate planning laws welcome to findlaw s estate planning section for iowans.

Iowa code chapter 144a life sustaining procedures act. Not valid if pregnant. Disposal of property by will. Two witnesses or a notary are required for a living will.

Subject to the rights of the surviving spouse to elect to take against the will as provided by section 633 236 any person of full age and sound mind may dispose by will of all the person s property except sufficient to pay the debts and charges against the person s estate. Chicago kent college of law and center for computer assisted legal. 12th street suite 2 des moines iowa 50319 515 725 3333 you may also access a copy online by visiting. A living will is a written document authorizing health care providers to withhold or withdraw life sustaining procedures in certain cases.

This section covers the various laws and procedures governing the process of planning for one s inevitable demise and legacy including the drafting of a valid will designating a health care agent through the use of a durable power of attorney writing a living will in order to ensure that your health care and. Terminal condition defined iowa law defines a terminal condition as an incurable or irreversible condition that without life sustaining procedures to a reasonable degree of medical. Iowa law on distribution of property after a person s death including what happens when someone dies without a will. Donate to iowa legal aid.

Iowa does not have an estate tax but it has an inheritance tax. Appointment of health care representative requires one witness. Summary of the report from the legal services corporation office of compliance and enforcement. Economic impact of iowa legal aid.

In this article we 39 ll explore the details of this tax and break down iowa 39 s other inheritance laws including the probate.