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: Colorado General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child Introduction: When it comes to ensuring the well-being of your child, planning ahead is crucial. Writing a comprehensive Letter of Intent enables you to effectively communicate your wishes to guardians, trustees, and the courts in Colorado regarding the care, upbringing, and assets pertaining to your child. This article will provide you with detailed guidance on drafting a Letter of Intent in Colorado, highlighting various types and considerations involved. 1. Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Intent: A Letter of Intent, also known as a Legacy Letter or a Letter of Instruction, serves as a supplemental document to your will or trust. It conveys your desires, values, and personal insights to those responsible for your child's care. By clearly stating your intentions, it helps guardians, trustees, and the courts make informed decisions that align with your child's best interests. 2. Essential Elements to Include: a) Introduction: Begin your letter by stating its purpose, briefly introducing yourself and your child, and expressing your deep concern for their well-being. b) Personal and Medical Information: Provide detailed information about your child's medical history, allergies, health conditions, medications, and any special needs they may have. c) Daily Routine and Preferences: Outline your child's daily routine, including sleep patterns, dietary needs, exercise or hobbies they enjoy. Mention any cultural or religious practices important to your family. d) Education and Extracurricular Activities: Specify your child's educational goals, preferred schools, and any extracurricular activities they currently participate in, or you'd like them to engage in. e) Emotional and Social Needs: Describe your child's emotional disposition, social interactions, relationships with siblings, extended family, friends, and ways to support their emotional well-being. f) Values, Traditions, and Beliefs: Share your family values, traditions, and beliefs that you would like for your child to be exposed to and raised in accordance with. g) Financial Matters: Provide an overview of your child's financial resources, including details on trusts, investments, accounts, and other assets available for their care, education, and future. h) Guardianship Preferences: Clearly state your preference for legal guardianship, naming individuals who will assume responsibility for your child's upbringing, education, and overall welfare. i) Funeral and Burial Preferences: If applicable, specify your funeral and burial wishes to ensure continuity of your child's care and minimize potential confusion during a challenging time. 3. Tailoring the Letter to Suit Different Needs: Although the main objective remains the same, there can be variations in the context and specific requirements for different types of Letters of Intent. Some examples include: a) Conditional Letters of Intent: These letters outline specific conditions or circumstances that must be met for the intentions expressed to take effect, providing flexibility according to changing circumstances. b) Letters of Intent for Special Needs Children: If your child has special needs, it is important to address their unique care requirements, therapeutic treatments, government assistance programs, and your expectations on coordinating healthcare and support services. c) Letters of Intent for Charitable Involvement: For families who wish to involve charitable organizations, these letters outline how the child will be raised within philanthropic values, highlighting the role of chosen charities and volunteering activities. Conclusion: Writing a thorough and well-thought-out Letter of Intent is vital in securing the future of your child. By adhering to the general guidelines presented here and tailoring it to your specific circumstances, you can ensure that your wishes concerning their care, upbringing, and financial matters will be effectively conveyed to guardians, trustees, and the courts in Colorado. Seek legal advice to ensure your Letter of Intent is legally binding and up-to-date with Colorado laws. Remember to review and update the document periodically to reflect any changes in your child's circumstances or personal wishes.
