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.
Delaware General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child Writing a letter of intent can be a valuable tool in ensuring that your child's best interests are protected and communicated effectively to the guardians, trustees, and courts in Delaware. This document provides detailed guidance on how to craft a comprehensive letter of intent and effectively convey your wishes. Below, we outline the essential components of such a letter, as well as any specific guidelines that may apply to different scenarios. 1. Purpose and Introduction: Begin your letter by clearly stating the purpose of the document, which is to express your wishes and provide guidance to those responsible for your child's well-being. Introduce yourself as the parent or legal guardian and briefly explain any relevant background information about your child. 2. Personal Information: Include detailed personal information about your child, such as their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and any other relevant identification details. This ensures that there is no confusion regarding your child's identity. 3. Medical and Health Information: Provide a comprehensive overview of your child's medical history, including any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, and insurance details. Specify preferred healthcare providers, emergency contacts, and any unique medical instructions that are crucial for the child's well-being. 4. Education and Extra-curricular Activities: Discuss your child's educational background, current school details, and any specific preferences or requirements regarding their education. Include information about extracurricular activities, hobbies, or special talents that may be important to the child's development. 5. Daily Routine and Care: Outline your child's typical daily routine, including sleeping and eating habits, recreational activities, and any necessary accommodations or specific care instructions. Highlight any fundamental aspects of your child's well-being, such as spiritual or religious practices, and articulate your expectations regarding their continued observance. 6. Personal Preferences and Relationships: Express your child's personal preferences, personality traits, and any significant relationships they have with family members, friends, or mentors. This can help the guardians or trustees better understand and support your child's emotional needs. 7. Financial Information: Provide a comprehensive overview of your child's financial situation, including any existing trusts, bank accounts, or investments. Clearly state your wishes regarding the management and allocation of these financial resources to ensure your child's future financial security. 8. Guardianship and Trustee Appointment: Clearly state your preference for the selection of guardians and trustees who will assume responsibility for your child's well-being and financial matters, respectively. Alternatively, if you have already designated guardians or trustees through separate legal documents, refer to those documents in this letter. 9. Legal and Court Considerations: Discuss any legal considerations or court proceedings that may be relevant to your child's care, such as ongoing custody battles or visitation rights. Refer to any existing court orders or custody agreements and express your wishes regarding their enforcement and continuation. 10. Review and Updates: Emphasize the importance of reviewing and updating the letter of intent periodically, especially as your child's needs, circumstances, or legal arrangements change. Encourage the recipients to remain proactive in seeking your input and adapting to changing circumstances over time. Different types of Delaware General Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Intent and Communicating Your Wishes to the Guardians, Trustees, and the Courts about Your Child may vary, depending on specific factors such as the child's age, unique needs or circumstances, or any ongoing legal proceedings involving the child. However, the principles outlined above serve as a comprehensive framework for crafting an effective and detailed letter of intent in Delaware.
