This type of a Letter of Intent is a document that you may prepare to help the guardians, trustees and the courts interpret your desires for your child. It is not a formal "legal" document, but most courts will generally look to it for guidance in understanding your child and your wishes. The courts tend to favor the family's wishes as long as they are not illegal or immoral. Should anything happen to you, the future guardians and/or trustees will have the information that will guide them in understanding your child's unique history and which will assist them in maintaining the quality and consistency of life which is so essential to any special child.
This Letter of Intent is a living document that should be updated and added to on a regular basis throughout your life. You may want to set aside an anniversary date to review your letter every year, and make needed changes. At other times events will require the letter to be changed immediately, such as noting a bad reaction to a specific medication. When you need to make changes you may only need to rewrite that portion of the letter. Placing the information on a computer for easy updates is one way to keep the document current.
Arkansas General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees and the Courts about Your Child When it comes to ensuring the well-being and future of your child, it is crucial to express your wishes clearly and effectively. In Arkansas, writing a Letter of Intent plays a vital role in communicating your desired arrangements to the guardians, trustees, and the courts involved in your child's care. By following the general guidelines for writing such a letter, you can provide valuable information while addressing potential concerns or special circumstances specific to your child's needs. 1. Purpose and Introduction: Begin your letter by clearly stating the purpose of the document — to express your intentions regarding the care and future plans for your child. It is essential to introduce yourself, including your full name, contact information, and relationship to the child. 2. Background and Family Information: Provide essential background information about your family, including the names, ages, and relationships of immediate family members. This helps the guardians, trustees, and courts gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's family dynamics. 3. Appointment of Guardians: Specify your preference for the selection of a guardian who will assume parenting responsibilities in your absence. Identify their full name, contact information, and the reasons why you believe they will be suitable for the role. 4. Alternate Guardians: In the event that the primary guardian cannot fulfill their duties, it is wise to designate one or more alternate guardians. This ensures that your child's care will continue seamlessly, even in unforeseen circumstances. Provide the same level of detail for each alternate guardian as you did for the primary guardian. 5. Educational and Healthcare Decisions: Outline your wishes regarding your child's education and healthcare. Include information about preferred schools or educational philosophies that align with your beliefs. Mention any specific medical conditions, allergies, or dietary needs your child has, along with instructions for their care. 6. Financial Matters: Address financial considerations related to your child's well-being in the letter. Discuss any trusts, investments, or inheritance your child may be entitled to, as well as any special considerations or instructions related to these assets. If you have specific wishes regarding your child's financial management or future expenses, clearly outline them in this section. 7. Burial or Funeral Instructions: Although a difficult topic, it is important to express your desires for burial or funeral arrangements in the event of your child's untimely demise. Specify any preferences or religious customs you would like to be followed. 8. Letter Updates: Recognize that circumstances may change over time, and it is crucial to keep your Letter of Intent updated accordingly. Mention the importance of reviewing the letter regularly and inform the named parties how they can access the most recent version. By following these general guidelines, you can create a comprehensive and thoughtful letter that will effectively communicate your wishes to the guardians, trustees, and the courts regarding your child's future. It is advisable to consult with an attorney specializing in family law or estate planning to ensure the legal validity and enforceability of your letter. Remember, the intention is to provide clear instructions and peace of mind for all involved parties, ultimately safeguarding your child's future according to your wishes.Arkansas General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees and the Courts about Your Child When it comes to ensuring the well-being and future of your child, it is crucial to express your wishes clearly and effectively. In Arkansas, writing a Letter of Intent plays a vital role in communicating your desired arrangements to the guardians, trustees, and the courts involved in your child's care. By following the general guidelines for writing such a letter, you can provide valuable information while addressing potential concerns or special circumstances specific to your child's needs. 1. Purpose and Introduction: Begin your letter by clearly stating the purpose of the document — to express your intentions regarding the care and future plans for your child. It is essential to introduce yourself, including your full name, contact information, and relationship to the child. 2. Background and Family Information: Provide essential background information about your family, including the names, ages, and relationships of immediate family members. This helps the guardians, trustees, and courts gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's family dynamics. 3. Appointment of Guardians: Specify your preference for the selection of a guardian who will assume parenting responsibilities in your absence. Identify their full name, contact information, and the reasons why you believe they will be suitable for the role. 4. Alternate Guardians: In the event that the primary guardian cannot fulfill their duties, it is wise to designate one or more alternate guardians. This ensures that your child's care will continue seamlessly, even in unforeseen circumstances. Provide the same level of detail for each alternate guardian as you did for the primary guardian. 5. Educational and Healthcare Decisions: Outline your wishes regarding your child's education and healthcare. Include information about preferred schools or educational philosophies that align with your beliefs. Mention any specific medical conditions, allergies, or dietary needs your child has, along with instructions for their care. 6. Financial Matters: Address financial considerations related to your child's well-being in the letter. Discuss any trusts, investments, or inheritance your child may be entitled to, as well as any special considerations or instructions related to these assets. If you have specific wishes regarding your child's financial management or future expenses, clearly outline them in this section. 7. Burial or Funeral Instructions: Although a difficult topic, it is important to express your desires for burial or funeral arrangements in the event of your child's untimely demise. Specify any preferences or religious customs you would like to be followed. 8. Letter Updates: Recognize that circumstances may change over time, and it is crucial to keep your Letter of Intent updated accordingly. Mention the importance of reviewing the letter regularly and inform the named parties how they can access the most recent version. By following these general guidelines, you can create a comprehensive and thoughtful letter that will effectively communicate your wishes to the guardians, trustees, and the courts regarding your child's future. It is advisable to consult with an attorney specializing in family law or estate planning to ensure the legal validity and enforceability of your letter. Remember, the intention is to provide clear instructions and peace of mind for all involved parties, ultimately safeguarding your child's future according to your wishes.
