How to Prepare a Living Will as a Couple?

Why This Blog? My Personal Thoughts as a Financial Freedom Coach

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ working closely with Indian couples, I often help them prepare for financial uncertainties—but rarely do we address what may be the most emotionally difficult conversation: planning for end-of-life care. The idea of a living will can feel intimidating and morbid, but it’s truly one of the most empowering decisions a couple can make.

Recently, Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai launched India’s first Living Will Clinic, a groundbreaking step to help individuals and families draft their advanced medical directives (AMDs). This development inspired me to write this post—because just like financial freedom, end-of-life dignity is also a right.

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What is a Living Will?

A Living Will, also known as an Advanced Medical Directive (AMD), is a legal document in which you (the individual or couple) provide instructions on:

• Whether or not to be put on life support in case of an irreversible condition

• What kind of medical interventions you approve or refuse

• End-of-life care preferences in case you are incapacitated

It is not a property will or a financial document. Instead, it’s about your medical dignity.

The Supreme Court of India, through a landmark ruling in 2018 (updated in 2023), allowed every Indian to create a living will. But access and awareness remained low. That’s where Hinduja’s initiative comes in.

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Why Couples Should Create a Living Will Together

As a couple, your life is deeply intertwined. So are your healthcare decisions. Here’s why preparing a joint living will or complementary directives as a couple is wise:

1. Protects Each Other’s Dignity

You both get to document your preferences for life-support, organ donation, and resuscitation. No ambiguity. No guilt.

2. Prevents Family Conflict

When both of you have aligned and recorded your wishes, your extended families will respect your decision instead of arguing during emotionally stressful moments.

3. Offers Mutual Support

It’s easier to go through such a decision-making process with your partner. You’ll reflect, talk, decide—and that strengthens emotional intimacy too.

4. Complements Financial Planning

Medical crises are expensive. A clear living will ensures no unnecessary spending on futile treatments, and aligns with your retirement or estate planning goals.

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How to Prepare a Living Will as a Couple – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Have the Conversation

Sit down with your spouse. Ask:

• What are our end-of-life fears?

• Would we want to be kept alive on machines indefinitely?

• Do we want to donate our organs?

• What kind of pain management and palliative care would we want?

This discussion may be emotional—but it’s essential.

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Step 2: Understand the Legal Process in India (As of 2023-2024)

Thanks to recent simplification by the Supreme Court, here’s how the process works:

1. Draft Your Living Will (AMD):

• Must be in writing

• Should clearly mention your healthcare directives

• Signed in presence of two witnesses

2. Attestation:

• Get it attested by a notary or gazetted officer

3. Registration:

• Submit to your district’s medical custodian or designated authority

• Some hospitals or local health offices may assist

4. Optional – Keep Copies With:

• Your primary doctor

• Hospital records

• Your children or legal heirs

• Your financial advisor or planner (if linked with estate planning)

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Step 3: Visit a Living Will Clinic (If Available)

Also read: How to Attract More Money and Achieve Financial Freedom with a Powerful Mindset

The Hinduja Clinic in Mumbai, led by neurologist Dr. Roopkumar Gursahani and palliative care expert Dr. Nikhil Datar, offers structured support.

• Weekly clinics guide individuals/families

• Doctors counsel, draft, and assist in finalising your AMD

• The clinic educates you on consequences and scope of your choices

This model is expected to be replicated across other districts in Maharashtra and possibly across India.

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Step 4: Store and Communicate

• Keep physical and digital copies with your partner, your lawyer, and close family.

• Let your children (if any) know your decisions.

• Add it to your estate planning file.

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Real-Life Case that Touched Me

The article shared a poignant story: An elderly man, moved by his granddaughter’s wedding, chose to accept terminal care instead of life support. His peaceful end was in line with what he had recorded. This shows how empowering a living will can be—for you and for those you love.

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Common Questions Couples Ask Me

Q: Can one partner override the other’s will?

No. Each living will is individual and legally binding if properly registered.

Q: Can I change my mind?

Yes. You can revise or revoke your living will at any time.

Q: What if my city doesn’t have a living will clinic?

Work with your doctor and a legal advisor. You don’t need a clinic—it just simplifies the process.

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 Our Couple To-Do List

Here’s a printable checklist for you and your spouse:

Talk about your medical and moral values

Draft individual AMDs (can mirror each other)

Add specific instructions (life support, organ donation)

Get it witnessed and notarised

Store with lawyer/family/doctor

Review every 5 years or after major life events

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Final Thoughts: Living Rich Means Dying With Dignity

We prepare budgets, investments, and insurances. But do we prepare for dignity in death?

A living will is the final act of financial and emotional maturity. As couples, it allows us to express love not just through shared life—but through honouring each other’s values in the end.

If you need help integrating this into your financial plan, estate documents, or even discussing it with your family—I’m here to help.

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Action Plan for Couples

1. Read this blog aloud together.

2. Block a weekend afternoon. Have the talk.

3. Draft your wills using templates available or visit a legal advisor.

4. In Mumbai? Book a session at Hinduja’s Living Will Clinic.

5. Add it to your Couple Financial Plan with me.

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 Summary and Next Steps

A Living Will is a legal, emotional, and moral necessity

Couples should draft their own AMDs and support each other in the process

Hinduja Hospital has pioneered the way—others will follow

Keep your loved ones informed and your choices documented

Include it as part of your long-term financial and life planning journey

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