Illinois Jail, Prison, or Detention Center Inmates and Advanced Healthcare Directives
- Jail Notary Services
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25
When families are navigating legal needs for loved ones in jail or prison, it’s easy to focus on immediate priorities—like powers of attorney, child custody agreements, or parole paperwork. However, there’s one important form that’s often overlooked but critically important: the Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD).
For Illinois inmates, especially those serving long sentences or with known health conditions, completing an AHD can be a crucial step toward ensuring their healthcare wishes are honored—no matter what the future holds.
What Is an Advance Healthcare Directive in Illinois?
An Advance Healthcare Directive, sometimes referred to as a Living Will or Healthcare Power of Attorney, allows a person to designate someone they trust to make medical decisions for them if they become unable to do so themselves. It also enables them to outline specific wishes about treatment, life support, and emergency care.
In a correctional setting, having this document in place ensures that medical care aligns with the inmate’s wishes—even when they can’t speak for themselves.
Illinois Provides Free Advance Healthcare Directives
The good news for Illinois residents is that the state provides access to free AHD forms, available through reputable organizations such as AARP. You can download the Illinois-specific Advance Healthcare Directive form here.
If you’re arranging a jail or prison notary visit to sign legal paperwork, it’s the perfect opportunity to include an AHD as part of the service.
Planning a Jail or Prison Notary Visit in Illinois? Read This First
Booking a mobile notary for an inmate requires more than just scheduling an appointment. To make the process go smoothly, keep these important tips in mind:
Confirm with the Inmate - Don’t surprise your loved one with a notary visit. Always call or email ahead to confirm they know about the appointment and are prepared to participate.
Ensure Understanding and Consent - The inmate must be mentally competent and fully aware of the documents they’ll be signing. The notary cannot proceed without clear, willing consent.
Check Facility Entry Rules - Some Illinois jails or prisons have strict policies about outside visitors. Confirm the facility allows notaries to enter, and whether special approval is needed.
Witness Requirements Matter - Some documents may require one or more witnesses in addition to the notary. Guards often cannot serve in this role, so plan accordingly—some facilities allow an extra notary or civilian witness, but others do not.
Ask About Approved Notary Lists - Facilities may have a list of approved vendors or notary contractors. Before hiring anyone, ask the facility if your chosen notary needs to be pre-approved.
Need Help Finding a Jail Notary in Illinois?
Use our Jail Notary Search Tool to find trusted notaries available to visit jails, detention centers, or prisons in Illinois. If you don’t see your facility listed, request a free quote, and our team will help coordinate a visit—even for urgent or same-day appointments.
Don’t Leave Medical Decisions to Chance
Advance Healthcare Directives give your loved one a voice in their medical care—even while incarcerated. Whether your family member is facing long-term sentencing or has existing medical needs, don’t wait until an emergency arises.
At Jail Notary Services, we make it simple to include AHDs along with any other legal documents during a mobile notary visit. We're proud to support families across Illinois through every step of the process.
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