Living Wills & Advance Directives in Lehi

What Utah’s 2026 Directive Framework Covers

Utah’s current statutory framework took effect January 1, 2026. Under this framework, an advance health care directive may include a health care power of attorney, health care instructions, or both. The optional Utah form allows an adult to appoint an agent and alternate agent, limit the agent’s authority, and state preferences about medical care.

The directive becomes relevant when a person can’t make healthcare decisions. As long as that person has the capacity to understand and communicate a healthcare choice, their current decisions remain controlling.

An advance health care directive isn’t the same as a POLST, a medical order concerning life-sustaining treatment for someone with a serious illness or frailty. A directive records personal instructions and grants decision-making authority, while a POLST translates current treatment decisions into orders for healthcare professionals.

Signing, Sharing, & Updating a Utah Directive

Execution requirements depend on the document and governing law. Under Utah’s current optional form, a person who appoints an agent signs the directive before a qualifying adult witness. The witness can’t be the appointed agent or certain people connected to the agent or care facility.

These practical steps can make the directive easier to use:

• Confirm the appointment: Ask your proposed agent whether they understand and accept the role.
• Follow signing requirements: Complete the applicable signature and witness steps rather than assuming notarization is always required.
• Distribute copies: Give the directive to your health care agent, alternate agent, and relevant healthcare providers.
• Keep it accessible: Store the original where trusted people can find it during a medical emergency.
• Review it periodically: Revisit the directive after significant changes to your health, family, relationships, or residence.

You may change or revoke a directive while legally able to do so. A newer directive can also replace conflicting instructions in an older document. Individual guidance is particularly important when existing directives, unusual family relationships, or documents from another state are involved.

How Healthcare Directives Fit Into an Estate Plan

An advance health care directive governs healthcare decisions during incapacity. It doesn’t grant authority over finances or distribute property after death, so comprehensive incapacity planning may require several coordinated documents.

Each document serves a different role:

• Advance health care directive: Names a health care agent and provides health care instructions.
• Durable financial power of attorney: Authorizes a chosen person to handle specified financial and property matters during incapacity.
• Will: Directs property distribution through probate and may nominate guardians for minor children.
• Trust: Governs the management and distribution of assets held under its terms.

Reviewing these documents together can uncover conflicting appointments, outdated instructions, or gaps between healthcare wishes and financial arrangements.