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.
Georgia 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 care and wellbeing of your child in the event of your absence or incapacity, it is crucial to clearly express your wishes to the designated guardians, trustees, and the courts. In Georgia, there are specific guidelines to follow when writing a comprehensive Letter of Intent that outlines your child's needs, preferences, and future plans. By incorporating relevant keywords, you can effectively communicate your desires and ensure they are honored by the involved parties. 1. Introduction: Begin the letter by clearly stating your full name, address, contact information, and relationship to the child. It is essential to include the date of the letter to establish its validity and timeliness. 2. Personal Background: Provide a detailed overview of your child's personal background, including basic information such as their full legal name, date of birth, and social security number. Mention any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements that may be relevant for their care. This section should also cover the child's educational history, extracurricular activities, and any special talents or interests. 3. Guardianship: Clearly identify the guardian(s) you wish to have custody of your child in the event of your incapacity or passing. State their full names, addresses, and contact information. It is crucial to outline any specific reasons why you have selected these individuals and explain how their values and beliefs align with your parenting philosophy. Include any restrictions or conditions you want to impose upon the guardianship, such as religious or educational choices. 4. Financial Arrangements: Address the financial aspect of your child's guardianship by providing instructions on accessing funds, bank accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. Specify if there are any expectations or limitations concerning the use of these funds, and provide contact information for any financial advisors or trustees involved. 5. Medical and Healthcare: Detail your child's medical history, including any chronic conditions, medications, ongoing treatments, and preferred healthcare providers. Explain your expectations regarding medical decision-making and any specific preferences for alternative therapies or religious considerations. Additionally, if you have any beliefs about end-of-life decisions, make them explicitly clear. 6. Education and Extracurricular Activities: Express your thoughts and desires regarding your child's education and extracurricular activities. Discuss which schools or educational institutions you prefer, any special needs or support they may require, and any long-term educational goals you have for them. Highlight the importance of their participation in activities such as sports, arts, or other hobbies and mention any specific aspirations they may have expressed. 7. Values, Religion, and Cultural Heritage: Articulate your values, religious or spiritual beliefs, and cultural heritage, and emphasize their significance in your child's upbringing. Provide instructions on how you want these aspects of their identity to be honored and incorporated into their daily life and educational journey. 8. Contacts and Relationships: List the names, addresses, and contact details of important people in your child's life, such as close relatives, friends, mentors, or other significant individuals. Include their role and relationship with the child, as well as any specific instructions or expectations you have regarding continued contact or involvement. 9. Digital Assets and Online Presence: In the digital age, it is essential to address the management and preservation of your child's online presence and digital assets. Specify any social media accounts, online profiles, or digital files that hold personal value for your child, and provide guidelines on how you wish these to be handled or preserved. 10. Witness and Notarization: Before concluding the letter, ensure it is witnessed by at least two individuals who are not included in the letter as guardians or trustees. Their role is to confirm the authenticity of the document. Additionally, consider having the letter notarized to further enhance its legal weight and authenticity. By following these Georgia General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes, you can effectively express your desires and provide a thorough roadmap for the guardians, trustees, and the courts about your child's care, upbringing, and future. Remember, it is essential to regularly review and update this letter as your child grows and circumstances change.Georgia 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 care and wellbeing of your child in the event of your absence or incapacity, it is crucial to clearly express your wishes to the designated guardians, trustees, and the courts. In Georgia, there are specific guidelines to follow when writing a comprehensive Letter of Intent that outlines your child's needs, preferences, and future plans. By incorporating relevant keywords, you can effectively communicate your desires and ensure they are honored by the involved parties. 1. Introduction: Begin the letter by clearly stating your full name, address, contact information, and relationship to the child. It is essential to include the date of the letter to establish its validity and timeliness. 2. Personal Background: Provide a detailed overview of your child's personal background, including basic information such as their full legal name, date of birth, and social security number. Mention any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements that may be relevant for their care. This section should also cover the child's educational history, extracurricular activities, and any special talents or interests. 3. Guardianship: Clearly identify the guardian(s) you wish to have custody of your child in the event of your incapacity or passing. State their full names, addresses, and contact information. It is crucial to outline any specific reasons why you have selected these individuals and explain how their values and beliefs align with your parenting philosophy. Include any restrictions or conditions you want to impose upon the guardianship, such as religious or educational choices. 4. Financial Arrangements: Address the financial aspect of your child's guardianship by providing instructions on accessing funds, bank accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. Specify if there are any expectations or limitations concerning the use of these funds, and provide contact information for any financial advisors or trustees involved. 5. Medical and Healthcare: Detail your child's medical history, including any chronic conditions, medications, ongoing treatments, and preferred healthcare providers. Explain your expectations regarding medical decision-making and any specific preferences for alternative therapies or religious considerations. Additionally, if you have any beliefs about end-of-life decisions, make them explicitly clear. 6. Education and Extracurricular Activities: Express your thoughts and desires regarding your child's education and extracurricular activities. Discuss which schools or educational institutions you prefer, any special needs or support they may require, and any long-term educational goals you have for them. Highlight the importance of their participation in activities such as sports, arts, or other hobbies and mention any specific aspirations they may have expressed. 7. Values, Religion, and Cultural Heritage: Articulate your values, religious or spiritual beliefs, and cultural heritage, and emphasize their significance in your child's upbringing. Provide instructions on how you want these aspects of their identity to be honored and incorporated into their daily life and educational journey. 8. Contacts and Relationships: List the names, addresses, and contact details of important people in your child's life, such as close relatives, friends, mentors, or other significant individuals. Include their role and relationship with the child, as well as any specific instructions or expectations you have regarding continued contact or involvement. 9. Digital Assets and Online Presence: In the digital age, it is essential to address the management and preservation of your child's online presence and digital assets. Specify any social media accounts, online profiles, or digital files that hold personal value for your child, and provide guidelines on how you wish these to be handled or preserved. 10. Witness and Notarization: Before concluding the letter, ensure it is witnessed by at least two individuals who are not included in the letter as guardians or trustees. Their role is to confirm the authenticity of the document. Additionally, consider having the letter notarized to further enhance its legal weight and authenticity. By following these Georgia General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes, you can effectively express your desires and provide a thorough roadmap for the guardians, trustees, and the courts about your child's care, upbringing, and future. Remember, it is essential to regularly review and update this letter as your child grows and circumstances change.
