Signing checklist for Alabama

The signing steps in Alabama law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in Alabama law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Financial power of attorney: Signed by you; the law requires no notary or witnesses
Health care directive: Signed in front of two witnesses (no notary)

Choose your form Alabama Power of Attorney Form, with the Agent's Certification. You do not have to use it. A document 'substantially in the following form may be used'. It covers property only, not health care. The form ends with a notary acknowledgment block and an information sheet for the agent. Official text
Law: Ala. Code §§ 26-1A-301, 26-1A-302
Sign it Signed by you, or in your conscious presence by another person you direct to sign your name.
Law: Ala. Code §§ 26-1A-105, 26-1A-119(a), 26-1A-301
Notary or witnesses The Act requires only your signature. If you acknowledge your signature before a notary public, the signature is presumed genuine, and banks and others get the protections and duties that apply to an 'acknowledged' power of attorney. The statutory form includes a notary block.
Law: Ala. Code §§ 26-1A-105, 26-1A-119(a), 26-1A-301
The agent signs too No agent signature is required. A person accepts appointment by acting as agent or by other conduct showing acceptance, unless the document says otherwise.
Law: Ala. Code §§ 26-1A-105, 26-1A-119(a), 26-1A-301

Choose your form Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will and Health Care Proxy), Ala. Code § 22-8A-4(h). You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: Ala. Code § 22-8A-4(h)
Sign it Signed by you, or by another person in your presence and at your express direction, and dated.
Law: Ala. Code § 22-8A-4(b), (c)
Notary or witnesses Put the directive in writing, date it, and sign it in front of two qualified witnesses who are at least 19. If you name a health care proxy, the proxy must accept in writing, and the acceptance is attached to the directive.
Law: Ala. Code § 22-8A-4(b), (c)
Who cannot witness Two or more witnesses, each at least 19 years old. A witness may not be: the person who signed for you; your health care proxy; related to you by blood, adoption or marriage; entitled to any part of your estate under intestate succession or your will or codicil; or directly financially responsible for your medical care.
Law: Ala. Code § 22-8A-4(b), (c)

Registry (optional) Recording a living will with the judge of probate in your county. Fee: $5, plus any other recording fees set by law. Official text
Law: Ala. Code § 22-8A-14; Ala. Code § 22-8A-14(b)
Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

This checklist lists the signing rules in Alabama law. It does not check whether your document is valid.