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.
When it comes to writing a letter of intent and communicating your wishes to the guardians, trustees, and courts about your child in Utah, it is essential to understand the general guidelines and components involved. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you can ensure that your message effectively conveys your desires and expectations. Here are some key points to consider while drafting your letter of intent: 1. Clear Language: Ensure that the language used in your letter of intent is clear, concise, and easily understood. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader. Instead, aim for simplicity to ensure accurate interpretation of your wishes. 2. Introduce Yourself and Your Child: Start the letter by introducing yourself as the parent or legal guardian, providing your full name, relationship to the child, and contact information. Briefly introduce your child, mentioning their name, date of birth, and any other relevant personal details. 3. Stipulate Decision-Making Authority: Clearly state your preferences for decision-making authority regarding medical, educational, and other important aspects of your child's life. Specify who you would like to make these decisions in your absence and outline their responsibilities and limitations. 4. Nomination of Guardians: Identify your preferred individuals to serve as guardians for your child in case of your incapacitation or death. Include their full names, relationship to the child, and reasons for their suitability. It is crucial to ensure that the nominated guardians are willing and able to assume the responsibilities. 5. Trustees and Financial Matters: Discuss any financial matters related to your child, such as existing trusts, funds, or inheritance. Specify if you have appointed a trustee to manage and allocate these assets for the benefit of your child until they reach a certain age or milestone. 6. Health and Medical Care: Provide detailed instructions regarding your child's healthcare, including medical conditions, medications, preferred healthcare providers, and any specific treatments or therapies necessary. Additionally, outline your preferences for end-of-life decisions, organ donation, or other relevant medical matters. 7. Education and Extracurricular Activities: Clearly express your desires concerning your child's education and extracurricular activities. Specify your preferred school or educational institution and any special considerations or wishes you have regarding their academic and extracurricular pursuits. 8. Personal Beliefs and Values: If you have specific religious, cultural, or ethical beliefs that you wish to be incorporated into your child's upbringing, clearly articulate these in your letter. This ensures they are considered and respected by the guardians and trustees entrusted with your child's care. 9. Revocation and Updates: Include a statement indicating that the letter of intent supersedes any prior documents or arrangements and can be revoked or modified by you at any time. Also, mention the importance of regularly reviewing and updating the letter to reflect any changes in circumstances, such as a change in guardians or financial situation. Types of Utah General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent: 1. Letter of Intent for Guardianship: This type of letter outlines your wishes and preferences for guardianship should you become incapacitated or pass away. It focuses on the appointment of guardians and includes instructions relating to your child's care, upbringing, and overall well-being. 2. Letter of Intent for Trusts and Financial Matters: In this type of letter, the emphasis lies on financial matters, including trusts, funds, and inheritances for your child. It outlines your expectations for managing and distributing these assets, ensuring your child's financial stability. By following these general guidelines and tailoring your letter of intent to suit your unique circumstances and wishes, you can effectively communicate your expectations to the guardians, trustees, and courts involved in the care of your child. Remember to seek legal advice to ensure compliance with Utah laws and regulations.When it comes to writing a letter of intent and communicating your wishes to the guardians, trustees, and courts about your child in Utah, it is essential to understand the general guidelines and components involved. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you can ensure that your message effectively conveys your desires and expectations. Here are some key points to consider while drafting your letter of intent: 1. Clear Language: Ensure that the language used in your letter of intent is clear, concise, and easily understood. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader. Instead, aim for simplicity to ensure accurate interpretation of your wishes. 2. Introduce Yourself and Your Child: Start the letter by introducing yourself as the parent or legal guardian, providing your full name, relationship to the child, and contact information. Briefly introduce your child, mentioning their name, date of birth, and any other relevant personal details. 3. Stipulate Decision-Making Authority: Clearly state your preferences for decision-making authority regarding medical, educational, and other important aspects of your child's life. Specify who you would like to make these decisions in your absence and outline their responsibilities and limitations. 4. Nomination of Guardians: Identify your preferred individuals to serve as guardians for your child in case of your incapacitation or death. Include their full names, relationship to the child, and reasons for their suitability. It is crucial to ensure that the nominated guardians are willing and able to assume the responsibilities. 5. Trustees and Financial Matters: Discuss any financial matters related to your child, such as existing trusts, funds, or inheritance. Specify if you have appointed a trustee to manage and allocate these assets for the benefit of your child until they reach a certain age or milestone. 6. Health and Medical Care: Provide detailed instructions regarding your child's healthcare, including medical conditions, medications, preferred healthcare providers, and any specific treatments or therapies necessary. Additionally, outline your preferences for end-of-life decisions, organ donation, or other relevant medical matters. 7. Education and Extracurricular Activities: Clearly express your desires concerning your child's education and extracurricular activities. Specify your preferred school or educational institution and any special considerations or wishes you have regarding their academic and extracurricular pursuits. 8. Personal Beliefs and Values: If you have specific religious, cultural, or ethical beliefs that you wish to be incorporated into your child's upbringing, clearly articulate these in your letter. This ensures they are considered and respected by the guardians and trustees entrusted with your child's care. 9. Revocation and Updates: Include a statement indicating that the letter of intent supersedes any prior documents or arrangements and can be revoked or modified by you at any time. Also, mention the importance of regularly reviewing and updating the letter to reflect any changes in circumstances, such as a change in guardians or financial situation. Types of Utah General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent: 1. Letter of Intent for Guardianship: This type of letter outlines your wishes and preferences for guardianship should you become incapacitated or pass away. It focuses on the appointment of guardians and includes instructions relating to your child's care, upbringing, and overall well-being. 2. Letter of Intent for Trusts and Financial Matters: In this type of letter, the emphasis lies on financial matters, including trusts, funds, and inheritances for your child. It outlines your expectations for managing and distributing these assets, ensuring your child's financial stability. By following these general guidelines and tailoring your letter of intent to suit your unique circumstances and wishes, you can effectively communicate your expectations to the guardians, trustees, and courts involved in the care of your child. Remember to seek legal advice to ensure compliance with Utah laws and regulations.
