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.
Tennessee 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 care of your child, communicating your wishes through a letter of intent is crucial. In Tennessee, there are specific general guidelines that can help you create an effective document that accurately conveys your intentions. By incorporating relevant keywords into your letter, you can ensure all parties involved understand your desires for your child's future guardianship and care. 1. Introduction: Your letter of intent should start with an introduction that clearly states your name, address, and relationship to the child. Use keywords such as "letter of intent," "advance directive," or "declaration of desires" to make the purpose of the document evident. 2. Guardianship Preferences: Specify your preferred guardians for your child in case of your incapacity or death. Include full names, addresses, and contact information to assist the courts in locating the designated individuals. Keywords to include here are "guardian," "primary caregiver," and "caretaker." 3. Responsibility Distribution: Clearly outline your expectations regarding the responsibilities of the guardians and trustees. Mention aspects such as education, healthcare, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, and general well-being. Incorporate keywords like "education," "medical care," "religious beliefs," "extracurricular activities," and "overall welfare" to cover all areas of care. 4. Assets and Financial Matters: If you have assets or financial arrangements for your child's future, provide details in this section. Specify any trusts, life insurance policies, or other resources earmarked for their benefit. Mention keywords like "finances," "inheritance," "trust fund," and "life insurance" to highlight the financial aspect of your child's care. 5. Special Needs or Medical Conditions: If your child has any special needs or medical conditions, detail them in this section. List specific healthcare providers, medications, therapies, and any other necessary information. Keywords like "special needs," "medical conditions," "medical history," "healthcare providers," and "necessary therapies" will ensure the appropriate caregivers are aware of these requirements. 6. Contact Information: Include the contact information of all relevant parties, such as your attorney, executor, or any other individual involved in the execution of your wishes. Keywords to use here are "contact information," "attorney," "executor," and "legal representatives." 7. Witnesses and Notarization: To make your letter of intent legally binding, ensure it is signed in the presence of witnesses and notarized. Mention the applicable state laws and guidelines to add credibility to your document. Keywords like "witnesses," "notarization," "legal validation," and "state laws" can emphasize the legal integrity of your letter. Different types of Tennessee General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child may also include variations based on specific circumstances. For instance, some guidelines might address the unique needs of children with disabilities or children from blended families. It is essential to consult an attorney or legal professional to address these specific scenarios and ensure all desired information is appropriately included.Tennessee 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 care of your child, communicating your wishes through a letter of intent is crucial. In Tennessee, there are specific general guidelines that can help you create an effective document that accurately conveys your intentions. By incorporating relevant keywords into your letter, you can ensure all parties involved understand your desires for your child's future guardianship and care. 1. Introduction: Your letter of intent should start with an introduction that clearly states your name, address, and relationship to the child. Use keywords such as "letter of intent," "advance directive," or "declaration of desires" to make the purpose of the document evident. 2. Guardianship Preferences: Specify your preferred guardians for your child in case of your incapacity or death. Include full names, addresses, and contact information to assist the courts in locating the designated individuals. Keywords to include here are "guardian," "primary caregiver," and "caretaker." 3. Responsibility Distribution: Clearly outline your expectations regarding the responsibilities of the guardians and trustees. Mention aspects such as education, healthcare, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities, and general well-being. Incorporate keywords like "education," "medical care," "religious beliefs," "extracurricular activities," and "overall welfare" to cover all areas of care. 4. Assets and Financial Matters: If you have assets or financial arrangements for your child's future, provide details in this section. Specify any trusts, life insurance policies, or other resources earmarked for their benefit. Mention keywords like "finances," "inheritance," "trust fund," and "life insurance" to highlight the financial aspect of your child's care. 5. Special Needs or Medical Conditions: If your child has any special needs or medical conditions, detail them in this section. List specific healthcare providers, medications, therapies, and any other necessary information. Keywords like "special needs," "medical conditions," "medical history," "healthcare providers," and "necessary therapies" will ensure the appropriate caregivers are aware of these requirements. 6. Contact Information: Include the contact information of all relevant parties, such as your attorney, executor, or any other individual involved in the execution of your wishes. Keywords to use here are "contact information," "attorney," "executor," and "legal representatives." 7. Witnesses and Notarization: To make your letter of intent legally binding, ensure it is signed in the presence of witnesses and notarized. Mention the applicable state laws and guidelines to add credibility to your document. Keywords like "witnesses," "notarization," "legal validation," and "state laws" can emphasize the legal integrity of your letter. Different types of Tennessee General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child may also include variations based on specific circumstances. For instance, some guidelines might address the unique needs of children with disabilities or children from blended families. It is essential to consult an attorney or legal professional to address these specific scenarios and ensure all desired information is appropriately included.
