An important companion piece to a special needs trust is a “letter of intent” or “letter of instruction.” Learn more.
Letters of Intent
When you have a child with a disability or special health care needs, answering the question of what will happen to them if you are not able to take care of them is very important.
You can get powers of attorney, designate a guardian if needed, and take care of money and property through a will or special needs trust . But, what about your child’s everyday care? What about their school needs? What about the medications and medical procedures they need?
You know so much about your child’s unique needs, likes, and dislikes that you sometimes take care of them without even thinking. Imagine if everyone else who took care of them knew these things just as easily.
That’s the purpose of a Letter of Intent, often called an LOI.
An LOI is a document that serves as a life plan for your child. It helps to properly direct their overall care, if you aren’t around to oversee things. Even though you don’t use a lawyer to write this letter, and it doesn’t need to be notarized, the court might use it to direct a future caregiver. And a medical team might use it to make their decisions. When you combine an LOI with your other legal documents, as well as a will and a special needs trust, you have a set of tools to make sure your child is taken care of even if you aren’t around or able to.
Source: navigatelifetexas.org
How to Make Intent Letter
Using our special needs letter of intent template it is easy. Start with our template. Involve your child in the process as much as they are able. Have them help you answer the questions about their dreams and desires, likes, and dislikes.
Don’t try to do it all in 1 chunk. Take small bites out of the entire plan by filling in a section at a time. Maybe even set a certain day of each month to work on it.
Involve friends and loved ones in the process. They might have good suggestions or can just help to keep you on track with your writing.
What to Do Once You Have Your LOI
Once you’ve written the LOI, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself! Here are some tips to get the most use out of it:
Store an up-to-date LOI copy with your will and make sure your loved ones know where to find it.
Use it as a tool for advocacy. Because it clearly lists preferences and needs, it can help you or your child advocate with their doctor, school, or health insurance company. Even if these people have not seen an LOI before, pointing out how it includes a clear list of your child’s needs can help your discussion.
Pick a date each year to review and update the LOI.
 Special Needs Trusts Online Can Help!
I am a Special Needs Trust Attorney and I am here to help. I am the founder of a nonprofit corporation that provides quality information about Able Accounts and affordable Special Needs Trusts to families. I have over 20 years of experience helping families just like yours. Find out more information at SpecialNeedsTrustsOnline.com or click here to set up a free appointment.
Source:Â specialneedstrustsonline.com