Maine Jail, Prison, or Detention Center Inmates and Advanced Healthcare Directives
- Jail Notary Services
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 3
When families coordinate notary visits to jails or prisons in Maine, the focus is often on legal essentials like Power of Attorney, guardianship, or parole paperwork. But there’s one vital document that is frequently overlooked: the Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD).
If your loved one is incarcerated in Maine, especially for an extended period or with health concerns, an Advance Healthcare Directive is not just beneficial—it’s crucial.
What Is an Advance Healthcare Directive?
An Advance Healthcare Directive is a legal document that allows someone to:
Name a trusted individual to make medical decisions if they become unable to do so.
Express their preferences for medical treatment, resuscitation, and end-of-life care.
Without an AHD in place, families may face delays, confusion, or legal limitations when trying to make urgent medical decisions on behalf of their loved one behind bars.
Maine Offers Free Advance Directive Forms
The State of Maine provides free access to Advance Directive forms through reliable sources like AARP. These documents are tailored to Maine law and can be printed, completed, and notarized—either before or during a scheduled jail visit.
We recommend including the AHD form in the packet of paperwork when you’re coordinating a mobile notary visit to any jail, prison, or detention center in Maine.
What to Know Before Sending a Notary to a Maine Correctional Facility
Booking notary services inside correctional institutions is not like booking for a hospital or home. It requires clear communication and preparation:
Notify the Inmate in Advance - Always confirm with the inmate—by phone or written message—that a notary will be visiting.
Ensure the Inmate Understands the Document - The notary cannot provide legal advice. Make sure your loved one knows what they’re signing and is willing to proceed.
Call the Facility Ahead of Time - Not all jails or prisons in Maine allow outside notaries. Confirm the facility’s policy before scheduling.
Know the Witness Requirements - Some AHDs require one or more witnesses. Check if the facility allows correctional officers, civilians, or additional notaries to serve in this role.
Check for Approved Notary Lists - Many Maine jails only admit notaries who are on an approved or pre-cleared list. Always ask if your chosen notary is allowed access.
Find a Jail Notary Near a Maine Facility
Need help locating a qualified notary to visit a correctional center in Maine? Use our Notary Locator Tool to find mobile notaries who serve your area.
Don’t see your jail listed? Request a free quote here and we’ll help you find a notary available for urgent or scheduled jail notary services.
Don’t Delay on Critical Medical Planning
Whether your loved one is serving a short-term sentence or facing long-term incarceration, completing an Advance Healthcare Directive helps ensure that important medical decisions are respected and honored.
Jail Notary Services is here to support families across Maine by helping them navigate jail paperwork—quickly, legally, and with peace of mind.
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