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.
Arizona 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 proper care of your child in the event of your absence or incapacity, it is essential to have a clear and comprehensive letter of intent in place. In the state of Arizona, there are several general guidelines you should follow when drafting and communicating your wishes to the guardians, trustees, and the courts regarding your child. These guidelines help ensure that your child's needs, interests, and future are adequately addressed. 1. Clear and Concise Communication: When writing the letter of intent, aim for clarity and conciseness. Use simple and straightforward language to express your wishes, avoiding ambiguity or confusion. 2. Include Relevant Personal and Legal Information: Begin the letter by providing your child's full name, date of birth, and any other relevant personal details. Include your own personal information, such as full name, address, and contact details. It is also advisable to mention any legal documents or guardianship arrangements already in place, such as wills, trusts, or power of attorney. 3. Outline Your Child's Background: Describe your child's background, including their strengths, preferences, medical history, educational needs, and any special requirements they may have. This information can guide the guardians or trustees in making informed decisions about your child's care and upbringing. 4. Specify Your Choice of Guardian and Trustee: Clearly state your preferred choice of guardian who you believe is best suited to care for your child if something were to happen to you. Provide their full name, address, and contact details. Additionally, specify your desired trustee(s) who will oversee any assets or inheritance left behind for your child. 5. Detail Specific Instructions and Preferences: Take the time to outline your specific instructions and preferences regarding your child's upbringing. This may include matters such as education, medical care, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant aspects of their lives. 6. Include Financial Considerations: If you have any financial assets, investments, or insurance policies that will support your child's future, clearly document these details. Mention any trusts or funds set up for their benefit, including who will have control and how they should be managed. 7. Update Regularly: Keep your letter of intent up to date as your child grows and circumstances change. Regularly review and revise the document, ensuring that it accurately reflects your current wishes and any new developments concerning your child's life. In Arizona, while there may not be different types of general guidelines specifically for writing a letter of intent, variations may exist based on individual circumstances. It is always advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional who specializes in estate planning to ensure that you are complying with state laws and that your letter of intent aligns with your specific situation. By following these general guidelines, you can provide vital information and instructions to your child's future caregivers and ease the transition should the unexpected occur. Remember, it is crucial to communicate openly with the chosen guardians, trustees, and legal professionals involved to ensure everyone is well-informed of your wishes and able to fulfill their responsibilities towards your child.Arizona 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 proper care of your child in the event of your absence or incapacity, it is essential to have a clear and comprehensive letter of intent in place. In the state of Arizona, there are several general guidelines you should follow when drafting and communicating your wishes to the guardians, trustees, and the courts regarding your child. These guidelines help ensure that your child's needs, interests, and future are adequately addressed. 1. Clear and Concise Communication: When writing the letter of intent, aim for clarity and conciseness. Use simple and straightforward language to express your wishes, avoiding ambiguity or confusion. 2. Include Relevant Personal and Legal Information: Begin the letter by providing your child's full name, date of birth, and any other relevant personal details. Include your own personal information, such as full name, address, and contact details. It is also advisable to mention any legal documents or guardianship arrangements already in place, such as wills, trusts, or power of attorney. 3. Outline Your Child's Background: Describe your child's background, including their strengths, preferences, medical history, educational needs, and any special requirements they may have. This information can guide the guardians or trustees in making informed decisions about your child's care and upbringing. 4. Specify Your Choice of Guardian and Trustee: Clearly state your preferred choice of guardian who you believe is best suited to care for your child if something were to happen to you. Provide their full name, address, and contact details. Additionally, specify your desired trustee(s) who will oversee any assets or inheritance left behind for your child. 5. Detail Specific Instructions and Preferences: Take the time to outline your specific instructions and preferences regarding your child's upbringing. This may include matters such as education, medical care, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant aspects of their lives. 6. Include Financial Considerations: If you have any financial assets, investments, or insurance policies that will support your child's future, clearly document these details. Mention any trusts or funds set up for their benefit, including who will have control and how they should be managed. 7. Update Regularly: Keep your letter of intent up to date as your child grows and circumstances change. Regularly review and revise the document, ensuring that it accurately reflects your current wishes and any new developments concerning your child's life. In Arizona, while there may not be different types of general guidelines specifically for writing a letter of intent, variations may exist based on individual circumstances. It is always advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional who specializes in estate planning to ensure that you are complying with state laws and that your letter of intent aligns with your specific situation. By following these general guidelines, you can provide vital information and instructions to your child's future caregivers and ease the transition should the unexpected occur. Remember, it is crucial to communicate openly with the chosen guardians, trustees, and legal professionals involved to ensure everyone is well-informed of your wishes and able to fulfill their responsibilities towards your child.
