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.
West Virginia General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child In West Virginia, it is crucial for parents to communicate their wishes and intentions for their child's future to guardians, trustees, and the courts. Writing a comprehensive Letter of Intent can provide invaluable guidance and ensure that your child's best interests are protected. Here are some general guidelines to consider when preparing this important document: 1. Introduction: Begin your Letter of Intent by clearly identifying yourself and your relationship to the child. Mention your full name, address, contact information, and the child's name and date of birth. 2. Purpose: State the purpose of the letter, explaining that it serves as a guide to help guardians, trustees, and the courts understand your wishes and desires for your child's well-being. 3. Guardianship Preference: If you have a preferred guardian in mind, explicitly state their name, relationship to the child, and reasons for choosing them. Alternatively, you can outline any criteria you believe are important when selecting a suitable guardian. 4. Care Instructions: Provide detailed instructions on the daily care and routines that are important for your child's physical and emotional well-being. This can include dietary needs, medical considerations, allergies, preferred activities, and hobbies. 5. Education: Share your specific preferences regarding your child's education. Discuss your desired educational environment, such as public, private, or homeschooling. Mention any specific schools, extracurricular activities, or religious education you deem important. 6. Medical and Healthcare: Enumerate the child's medical history, including any chronic conditions, allergies, or specific treatments. Clearly communicate any preferred medical professionals, clinics, or hospitals that should be involved in your child's healthcare. 7. Financial Matters: Outline any financial provisions you have made for your child's welfare. Include information about trusts, accounts, insurance policies, and any anticipated financial support or obligations. 8. Special Needs or Disabilities: If your child has any special needs or disabilities, provide a thorough description of their condition, including any necessary accommodations, therapies, or treatments. Communicate your preferences for their care and involvement in support groups or specialized programs. 9. Contact Information: Include contact information for all essential parties involved in your child's life, including family members, close friends, and professional advisors. This ensures open lines of communication among the child's network of support. 10. Execution and Updating: Sign and date the Letter of Intent, and keep it in a safe and easily accessible location. Remember to review and update the document periodically to reflect any changes in your child's circumstances, preferences, or wishes. It is important to note that while the guidelines provided above are general, specific types of West Virginia General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child may exist for certain situations or legal requirements. For instance, there may be distinctions between a Letter of Intent for minor children and one for adult children. It is essential to consult a legal professional in West Virginia familiar with family law to ensure your Letter of Intent meets all necessary criteria and regulations.West Virginia General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child In West Virginia, it is crucial for parents to communicate their wishes and intentions for their child's future to guardians, trustees, and the courts. Writing a comprehensive Letter of Intent can provide invaluable guidance and ensure that your child's best interests are protected. Here are some general guidelines to consider when preparing this important document: 1. Introduction: Begin your Letter of Intent by clearly identifying yourself and your relationship to the child. Mention your full name, address, contact information, and the child's name and date of birth. 2. Purpose: State the purpose of the letter, explaining that it serves as a guide to help guardians, trustees, and the courts understand your wishes and desires for your child's well-being. 3. Guardianship Preference: If you have a preferred guardian in mind, explicitly state their name, relationship to the child, and reasons for choosing them. Alternatively, you can outline any criteria you believe are important when selecting a suitable guardian. 4. Care Instructions: Provide detailed instructions on the daily care and routines that are important for your child's physical and emotional well-being. This can include dietary needs, medical considerations, allergies, preferred activities, and hobbies. 5. Education: Share your specific preferences regarding your child's education. Discuss your desired educational environment, such as public, private, or homeschooling. Mention any specific schools, extracurricular activities, or religious education you deem important. 6. Medical and Healthcare: Enumerate the child's medical history, including any chronic conditions, allergies, or specific treatments. Clearly communicate any preferred medical professionals, clinics, or hospitals that should be involved in your child's healthcare. 7. Financial Matters: Outline any financial provisions you have made for your child's welfare. Include information about trusts, accounts, insurance policies, and any anticipated financial support or obligations. 8. Special Needs or Disabilities: If your child has any special needs or disabilities, provide a thorough description of their condition, including any necessary accommodations, therapies, or treatments. Communicate your preferences for their care and involvement in support groups or specialized programs. 9. Contact Information: Include contact information for all essential parties involved in your child's life, including family members, close friends, and professional advisors. This ensures open lines of communication among the child's network of support. 10. Execution and Updating: Sign and date the Letter of Intent, and keep it in a safe and easily accessible location. Remember to review and update the document periodically to reflect any changes in your child's circumstances, preferences, or wishes. It is important to note that while the guidelines provided above are general, specific types of West Virginia General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child may exist for certain situations or legal requirements. For instance, there may be distinctions between a Letter of Intent for minor children and one for adult children. It is essential to consult a legal professional in West Virginia familiar with family law to ensure your Letter of Intent meets all necessary criteria and regulations.