Elderly woman sitting calmly by a window in soft natural light

Your healthcare wishes, documented with clarity and legal certainty

Simple Living Wills helps Portuguese families prepare advance directives that reflect their values. We guide you through the legal requirements of the testamento vital, the role of a healthcare proxy, and how to align your document with the realities of palliative care in Portugal. The result is a clear, valid record of your choices, ready when it matters most.

Most people wait until a health crisis forces the conversation. By then, decisions are harder and more urgent. Preparing your advance directive now means your family will never have to guess what you would have wanted.

See how the process works

From first call to a signed document

Most people we work with are preparing a living will for the first time. They usually come to us after a health scare in the family or a conversation with their doctor about chronic illness. The process below reflects how we handle those situations.

You start with a conversation, not a form. We listen to your concerns, explain what the law in Portugal allows, and then guide you through each step at your own pace.

  1. 01

    Initial conversation

    We talk by phone or in person about your health situation and what you want to document. No legal jargon, just a clear discussion about your options.

  2. 02

    Document preparation

    Based on our conversation, we prepare your advance directive using forms adapted to Portuguese legislation. You review everything at home, with time to think.

  3. 03

    Review and adjustments

    We meet again to go over the document together. You can change wording, add specific instructions about palliative care, or adjust the scope of your healthcare proxy.

  4. 04

    Signature and registration

    Once you are satisfied, we arrange the formal signing and handle the registration with the National Registry of Advance Directives, so your document is legally valid.

Your wishes, documented today

A living will only helps if it exists before it is needed. We guide you through the Portuguese legal requirements so your choices are recorded clearly and can be honoured when the time comes.

Most people complete the process in a single session. You receive a reviewed document ready for registration.

Start your advance directive

Living Will Questions, Answered

People often hesitate because the legal language feels distant from their daily life. Here are the questions we hear most, answered in plain Portuguese context.

What happens if I become incapacitated without a living will?

Your family would have to make medical decisions without a clear legal mandate. Doctors will follow standard protocols, but your specific preferences about pain relief or life-sustaining treatment may not be known. This often leads to stressful, hurried conversations during an already difficult time.

Is a living will valid in every hospital in Portugal?

Once registered with RENTEV, the national registry, your advance directive is recognized across the country. Healthcare teams are required to consult it. That said, it is wise to keep a printed copy with your health documents and inform your family where it is stored.

Can I change my mind after I have registered the document?

Yes, at any moment. You can update or revoke your advance directive as long as you are mentally capable. Life circumstances change, and your document should reflect your current views. We guide you through the process of revising it without unnecessary bureaucracy.

What is the difference between a living will and a healthcare proxy?

A living will records your specific treatment preferences. A healthcare proxy appoints a person you trust to interpret those preferences in situations the document does not cover. Many people choose to have both, as they complement each other. We can help you decide what fits your situation.

Do I need a lawyer to prepare these documents?

Not necessarily. The forms are designed to be completed without legal representation. However, having someone explain the implications of each clause helps you make informed choices. Our service provides that guidance, so you understand what you are signing and why it matters.

Trusted by families across Portugal

We have helped hundreds of people document their healthcare wishes with clarity and confidence. The process is straightforward, and the peace of mind it brings to families is immediate.

When a medical crisis happens, your loved ones will not have to guess what you would have wanted. Your advance directive gives them clear guidance at a difficult time.

Maria, Porto

"The form was much simpler than I expected. I filled it in with my husband over one evening, and we both feel lighter knowing our wishes are on record."

João, Coimbra

"My mother's chronic condition made this urgent. The guidance helped me ask her the right questions and document her preferences without upsetting her."

Ana, Lisbon

"I am a nurse, so I see the consequences of poor planning daily. Having my own directive registered gives me the same security I recommend to patients."

Simple Living Wills social proof

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