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.
Title: Louisiana General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child Introduction: In Louisiana, it is essential for parents to proactively communicate their wishes regarding their child's guardianship, trusteeship, and overall care in case they are unable to do so themselves. A Letter of Intent serves as a valuable tool to convey your desires to the involved parties, ensuring your child's well-being. This article outlines the general guidelines for writing such a letter in Louisiana, encompassing multiple contexts and specific scenarios. 1. Writing a Letter of Intent for Child Guardianship: — Louisiana Guidelines for Designating Guardians: Understand the legal requirements and considerations when selecting a guardian for your child. Include their full name, contact information, and a brief explanation of why you believe they are suitable to care for your child. — Detailed Information about Your Child: Provide a comprehensive overview of your child's routines, medical needs, allergies, dietary preferences, academic requirements, and any special considerations regarding their physical or psychological well-being. — Financial Matters and Support: Outline the financial support you wish to provide for your child, including any trust funds or insurance policies, and specify how you want the guardian to utilize these resources to ensure your child's education, healthcare, and general needs are met. — Ongoing Contact and Relationship: Express your desire for ongoing contact with your child, such as visitation rights or communication arrangements, ensuring the guardian understands the importance of maintaining their connection with you and your extended family. 2. Writing a Letter of Intent for Trusteeship: — Choosing a Trustee: Identify the person or institution responsible for managing the assets or trust funds you designate for your child's future. Outline their qualifications, expertise, and relationship with your child, highlighting their ability to handle financial matters responsibly. — Managing Financial Resources: Clearly state the purpose of the trust funds and any specific instructions regarding their utilization. Consider providing guidelines on education expenses, healthcare needs, property management, and how the trustee should allocate funds for the benefit of your child. — Periodic Evaluations: Indicate your wish for the trustee to conduct regular assessments of your child's needs, ensuring the financial resources are appropriately managed throughout their upbringing. — Specific Clauses and Conditions: If you have any preferences or reservations related to the assets or how they are accessed, outline them clearly in the letter to ensure they are duly considered. 3. Writing a Letter of Intent for Court-Appointed Matters: — Overview of Court Proceedings: Explain the circumstances in which the letter will be presented to the court, such as in a custody dispute or to guide decision-making after your incapacitation or demise. — Legal Authority and Consent: Express your consent and support for the court to consider the contents of the letter while making decisions in the best interest of your child. — All-Inclusive Guidance: Provide comprehensive guidance in the event the court needs to appoint a guardian or trustee for your child. Reference the relevant sections from the previous letters of intent to ensure consistent understanding and implementation. Conclusion: Writing a Letter of Intent in Louisiana is crucial for communicating your wishes concerning your child's welfare to the appropriate parties. By following these general guidelines, parents can ensure that their child's guardians, trustees, and the court have access to the necessary information to make informed decisions in alignment with the parents' desires and values. Remember that legal counsel might be necessary to ensure compliance with all Louisiana laws and specific circumstances of each individual case.Title: Louisiana General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child Introduction: In Louisiana, it is essential for parents to proactively communicate their wishes regarding their child's guardianship, trusteeship, and overall care in case they are unable to do so themselves. A Letter of Intent serves as a valuable tool to convey your desires to the involved parties, ensuring your child's well-being. This article outlines the general guidelines for writing such a letter in Louisiana, encompassing multiple contexts and specific scenarios. 1. Writing a Letter of Intent for Child Guardianship: — Louisiana Guidelines for Designating Guardians: Understand the legal requirements and considerations when selecting a guardian for your child. Include their full name, contact information, and a brief explanation of why you believe they are suitable to care for your child. — Detailed Information about Your Child: Provide a comprehensive overview of your child's routines, medical needs, allergies, dietary preferences, academic requirements, and any special considerations regarding their physical or psychological well-being. — Financial Matters and Support: Outline the financial support you wish to provide for your child, including any trust funds or insurance policies, and specify how you want the guardian to utilize these resources to ensure your child's education, healthcare, and general needs are met. — Ongoing Contact and Relationship: Express your desire for ongoing contact with your child, such as visitation rights or communication arrangements, ensuring the guardian understands the importance of maintaining their connection with you and your extended family. 2. Writing a Letter of Intent for Trusteeship: — Choosing a Trustee: Identify the person or institution responsible for managing the assets or trust funds you designate for your child's future. Outline their qualifications, expertise, and relationship with your child, highlighting their ability to handle financial matters responsibly. — Managing Financial Resources: Clearly state the purpose of the trust funds and any specific instructions regarding their utilization. Consider providing guidelines on education expenses, healthcare needs, property management, and how the trustee should allocate funds for the benefit of your child. — Periodic Evaluations: Indicate your wish for the trustee to conduct regular assessments of your child's needs, ensuring the financial resources are appropriately managed throughout their upbringing. — Specific Clauses and Conditions: If you have any preferences or reservations related to the assets or how they are accessed, outline them clearly in the letter to ensure they are duly considered. 3. Writing a Letter of Intent for Court-Appointed Matters: — Overview of Court Proceedings: Explain the circumstances in which the letter will be presented to the court, such as in a custody dispute or to guide decision-making after your incapacitation or demise. — Legal Authority and Consent: Express your consent and support for the court to consider the contents of the letter while making decisions in the best interest of your child. — All-Inclusive Guidance: Provide comprehensive guidance in the event the court needs to appoint a guardian or trustee for your child. Reference the relevant sections from the previous letters of intent to ensure consistent understanding and implementation. Conclusion: Writing a Letter of Intent in Louisiana is crucial for communicating your wishes concerning your child's welfare to the appropriate parties. By following these general guidelines, parents can ensure that their child's guardians, trustees, and the court have access to the necessary information to make informed decisions in alignment with the parents' desires and values. Remember that legal counsel might be necessary to ensure compliance with all Louisiana laws and specific circumstances of each individual case.
