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: Wisconsin General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child Introduction: Writing a comprehensive and well-crafted Letter of Intent to communicate your wishes regarding the care and upbringing of your child is essential for any Wisconsin parent. This document is a valuable tool to ensure that your child's needs, values, and preferences are met in the event of your incapacity or passing. This article outlines the general guidelines for writing a Letter of Intent in Wisconsin, offering key insights into its importance and usage. 1. Importance of a Letter of Intent: A Letter of Intent is a non-legal document that conveys crucial information about your child's care and personal preferences when guardianship or trustee decisions are made. It acts as a supplemental guide to a will or trust, providing detailed instructions to guardians, trustees, and the courts about raising your child in your absence. By writing a Letter of Intent, you can offer insights into your child's educational needs, religious beliefs, daily routines, medical history, and any other vital information that a guardian or trustee should know. 2. Basic Structure of a Letter of Intent: a. Introduction and Personal Details: Begin by introducing yourself, your child, and describing your relationship. Provide relevant contact information for both yourself and the potential guardian(s)/trustee(s). b. Statement of Intent and Purpose: Clearly express your intention for writing the letter and its purpose. State that the document is not legally binding, but serves as guidance for those entrusted with your child's welfare. c. Detailed Child Profile: Provide a thorough description of your child's personality traits, interests, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and any special needs. Include medical history, any pertinent allergies or dietary requirements, and current medications. d. Education and Extra-Curricular Activities: Outline your child's current educational situation, including the name of their school, teachers, grades, and extracurricular activities. Specify any personal or academic goals or ambitions for your child's education. e. Religion and Cultural Values: Describe your child's religious or spiritual beliefs, along with any associated traditions, ceremonies, or values that are important to you. Provide guidance on how to support and uphold these beliefs. f. Daily Routines and Preferences: Provide details about your child's daily routines, including sleeping patterns, mealtimes, and hobbies. Mention your child's favorite foods, books, music, movies, and recreational activities. g. Medical Care and Preferences: Share any medical conditions, allergies, and ongoing treatments your child may require, along with contact details for healthcare providers. Discuss specific preferences in case of a medical emergency or in the event of serious decisions regarding their health. h. Future Wishes and Aspirations: Highlight your hopes and aspirations for your child's future, including educational goals, career choices, and any long-term plans you may have for their well-being. 3. Additional Types of Wisconsin General Guidelines: Though the basic structure remains consistent, there can be slight variations in specific guidelines depending on the situation or need. Some additional types of Wisconsin General Guidelines for preparing a Letter of Intent include: — Supplemental Guidelines for Children with Special Needs: Addressing unique aspects such as therapies, support services, government benefits, and long-term care arrangements. — Guardianship Specific Guidelines: Providing instructions on managing inheritance, financial matters, and stewardship for the benefit of your child. — Emergency Contact Guidelines: Outlining essential contact details of relatives, close friends, or trusted advisors in case of immediate assistance requirements. Conclusion: In Wisconsin, writing a Letter of Intent is an effective way to communicate your wishes and provide detailed instructions about the care and upbringing of your child. Adhering to the general guidelines mentioned above while tailoring the content to fit your specific circumstances will ensure that your child's best interests are protected and that those entrusted with their care have a comprehensive understanding of your desires. Remember to regularly update the letter as your child's needs evolve, and consult legal professionals for any specific legal advice required.Title: Wisconsin General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child Introduction: Writing a comprehensive and well-crafted Letter of Intent to communicate your wishes regarding the care and upbringing of your child is essential for any Wisconsin parent. This document is a valuable tool to ensure that your child's needs, values, and preferences are met in the event of your incapacity or passing. This article outlines the general guidelines for writing a Letter of Intent in Wisconsin, offering key insights into its importance and usage. 1. Importance of a Letter of Intent: A Letter of Intent is a non-legal document that conveys crucial information about your child's care and personal preferences when guardianship or trustee decisions are made. It acts as a supplemental guide to a will or trust, providing detailed instructions to guardians, trustees, and the courts about raising your child in your absence. By writing a Letter of Intent, you can offer insights into your child's educational needs, religious beliefs, daily routines, medical history, and any other vital information that a guardian or trustee should know. 2. Basic Structure of a Letter of Intent: a. Introduction and Personal Details: Begin by introducing yourself, your child, and describing your relationship. Provide relevant contact information for both yourself and the potential guardian(s)/trustee(s). b. Statement of Intent and Purpose: Clearly express your intention for writing the letter and its purpose. State that the document is not legally binding, but serves as guidance for those entrusted with your child's welfare. c. Detailed Child Profile: Provide a thorough description of your child's personality traits, interests, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and any special needs. Include medical history, any pertinent allergies or dietary requirements, and current medications. d. Education and Extra-Curricular Activities: Outline your child's current educational situation, including the name of their school, teachers, grades, and extracurricular activities. Specify any personal or academic goals or ambitions for your child's education. e. Religion and Cultural Values: Describe your child's religious or spiritual beliefs, along with any associated traditions, ceremonies, or values that are important to you. Provide guidance on how to support and uphold these beliefs. f. Daily Routines and Preferences: Provide details about your child's daily routines, including sleeping patterns, mealtimes, and hobbies. Mention your child's favorite foods, books, music, movies, and recreational activities. g. Medical Care and Preferences: Share any medical conditions, allergies, and ongoing treatments your child may require, along with contact details for healthcare providers. Discuss specific preferences in case of a medical emergency or in the event of serious decisions regarding their health. h. Future Wishes and Aspirations: Highlight your hopes and aspirations for your child's future, including educational goals, career choices, and any long-term plans you may have for their well-being. 3. Additional Types of Wisconsin General Guidelines: Though the basic structure remains consistent, there can be slight variations in specific guidelines depending on the situation or need. Some additional types of Wisconsin General Guidelines for preparing a Letter of Intent include: — Supplemental Guidelines for Children with Special Needs: Addressing unique aspects such as therapies, support services, government benefits, and long-term care arrangements. — Guardianship Specific Guidelines: Providing instructions on managing inheritance, financial matters, and stewardship for the benefit of your child. — Emergency Contact Guidelines: Outlining essential contact details of relatives, close friends, or trusted advisors in case of immediate assistance requirements. Conclusion: In Wisconsin, writing a Letter of Intent is an effective way to communicate your wishes and provide detailed instructions about the care and upbringing of your child. Adhering to the general guidelines mentioned above while tailoring the content to fit your specific circumstances will ensure that your child's best interests are protected and that those entrusted with their care have a comprehensive understanding of your desires. Remember to regularly update the letter as your child's needs evolve, and consult legal professionals for any specific legal advice required.
