Essential End-of-Life Documents Everyone Should Have
Talking about death never feels pleasant, yet planning for it gives your family one of the greatest gifts: peace of mind.
At Citadel Law Firm PLLC®, our team in Chandler helps East Valley residents create wills, trusts, and other directives that keep control in the right hands.
This guide breaks down the must-have documents recognized under Arizona law so your wishes remain clear and loved ones stay prepared.
Why End-of-Life Planning Matters in Arizona
You do not need gray hair or a chronic illness to benefit from a plan. Any adult can become unable to speak for themselves after an accident or sudden health event. With signed directives on file, your chosen decision-makers gain legal authority right away, rather than scrambling through court paperwork.
Clear instructions also prevent family conflict. Without guidance, relatives may disagree on treatments or property division, adding to the stress of an already painful moment. Arizona even offers the Healthcare Directives Registry, a secure system where you can upload forms so hospitals can see them fast.
Three fast facts highlight the value of advance planning:
- Arizona’s intestacy laws decide who inherits if no valid will exists, and that order rarely matches personal wishes.
- Doctors must follow a valid Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney once they confirm incapacity under A.R.S. Title 36.
- The state accepts free forms from the Attorney General, removing cost barriers for every resident 18 or older.
Core End-of-Life Documents in Arizona
The materials below form the backbone of a solid plan. Each serves a different purpose, and together they create a comprehensive safety net.
Last Will and Testament
A will directs who receives your assets after death and names a guardian for minor children. If you die without one, Arizona statutes choose heirs in a fixed order that may exclude close friends, unmarried partners, or charities you love. Revisiting your will after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or major purchases helps keep it current.
The executor you appoint must locate property, pay valid debts, and distribute the remainder per your directions. Pick someone organized and trustworthy, then let them know where the signed original is stored.
Advance Directives: Living Will
A Living Will states which medical treatments you want or refuse if you cannot communicate. Typical sections address ventilators, tube feeding, and resuscitation. Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 36-3201 outline required language, and the Attorney General provides free templates you can complete without a lawyer.
Because technology changes, update this document as your views evolve. Registering the signed copy with the state registry allows emergency departments to retrieve it quickly.
Advance Directives: Health Care Power of Attorney
This document names a healthcare proxy who speaks for you on any medical question not already covered in your Living Will. Under A.R.S. §§ 36-3221, the form must be notarized or witnessed. Choose an agent who understands your values and can stay calm under pressure.
The proxy can approve surgeries, arrange hospice, and review confidential records under HIPAA if you also sign a release, which is covered later.
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial, or durable, power of attorney appoints someone to manage money matters while you are alive but incapacitated. Tasks may include paying bills, selling real estate, or filing taxes. Naming an agent prevents frozen accounts and missed deadlines that could erode your estate.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
A DNR, technically called a Prehospital Medical Care Directive, instructs EMTs to withhold CPR if your heart or breathing stops. Arizona law requires the form to be printed on orange paper so first responders recognize it quickly. The statute governing DNRs is A.R.S. § 36-3251.
Talk with your physician before signing; a doctor’s signature is mandatory for validity.
HIPAA Release Forms
Without written permission, federal privacy rules block family and agents from accessing your health data. A simple HIPAA release lists the people who may receive updates, lab results, and discharge summaries so they can make informed choices.
Mental Health Care Power of Attorney
This specialized power of attorney, addressed in A.R.S. §§ 36-3281, lets you appoint someone to consent to psychiatric medications or inpatient treatment if you cannot give informed consent. Mental health decisions often carry extra stigma, making proactive planning especially helpful.
The snapshot below provides a quick comparison of each core document.
| Document | Main Purpose | Statute | Key Signing Rule |
| Last Will | Directs asset distribution, names guardian | Title 14 | Two witnesses required |
| Living Will | State treatment preferences | §§ 36-3201 | Notary or one witness |
| Healthcare POA | Appoints a medical decision-maker | §§ 36-3221 | Notary or one witness |
| Financial POA | Delegates financial control | §§ 14-5501 | Notary recommended |
| DNR | Declines CPR outside the hospital | § 36-3251 | Orange paper, doctor's signature |
| Mental Health POA | Authorizes psychiatric care decisions | §§ 36-3281 | Notary or one witness |
| HIPAA Release | Shares medical information | 45 CFR 160-164 | Patient signature |
Additional Considerations
Beyond the core paperwork, a few extra choices can round out your plan and remove guesswork for your family.
Organ Donation
Many Arizonans register as donors at the Motor Vehicle Division or include the directive in their Living Will. One donor can save or improve the lives of several people, and registration prevents loved ones from facing this question during times of grief and loss.
Funeral Arrangements
Documenting preferences about burial, cremation, or specific cultural rites spares relatives from second-guessing. You might also set aside funds in a payable-on-death account to cover costs and avoid financial surprises.
Arizona Healthcare Directives Registry
The Registry, managed by Contexture, stores digital copies of your advance directives. Hospitals and first responders receive secure access, so even if your wallet card is lost, your instructions remain available. Uploading is free; you only need a Registration Agreement and copies of your witnessed forms.
- Visit azhdr.org and create an account.
- Scan or photograph each directive and submit online or by mail.
- Carry the wallet notice provided after registration for added visibility.
Take Control of Your Future: Contact Citadel Law Firm PLLC® Today
Putting these documents in place removes uncertainty and lets your loved ones focus on caring, not guessing. Our attorneys at Citadel Law Firm PLLC® draft wills, trusts, and powers of attorney tailored to Arizona law and your personal goals. If you are ready to update or create your end-of-life plan, call us at 480-565-8020 or send a message through our Contact Us page. A short conversation now can spare your family from tough decisions later.