Why Every Family Should Create a Letter of Intent for Their Child With Special Needs
Written by: Connor Kavanaugh, CTFA, ChSNC
Updated December 4th, 2025
One of the most important questions families ask is how to ensure their child with special needs remains secure, supported, and understood when others eventually take over as guardian or caregiver. A strong financial plan and a well-structured special needs trust are essential, but they don’t tell the whole story.
That’s where a Letter of Intent comes in.
A Letter of Intent is a personal, detailed document that communicates your hopes, preferences, and knowledge about your child. It is not legally binding, but it serves as the trusted roadmap for guardians, trustees, caregivers, courts, service providers, and others involved in your child’s life. When you’re no longer able to speak for your child, this document becomes your voice.
What the Letter of Intent Does
Legal documents answer legal questions. A Letter of Intent answers human ones.
It provides the practical, everyday information others will need to support your child’s comfort, routine, safety, and happiness. It smooths transitions, preserves continuity of care, and helps future caregivers understand not only what your child needs—but who your child is.
What to Include in a Letter of Intent
Every Letter of Intent is unique, but most families include information in the following areas:
• Individuals, family members, professionals, and organizations to notify upon your incapacity or death
• Medical, therapeutic, and behavioral health needs
• Daily routines, care preferences, and communication styles
• Education preferences, religious considerations, and cultural or family values
• Contact information for doctors, therapists, teachers, and support teams
• Your child’s history, personality traits, interests, and dislikes
• Safety considerations, mobility needs, and use of assistive technology
• Your vision for housing, employment, and community involvement
• The location of medical records and other essential documents
Think of the Letter of Intent as the user manual for your child’s life—written from the perspective of the person who knows them best.
When to Create Your Letter of Intent
Writing a Letter of Intent can be emotional and time-consuming, which often leads families to delay it. But doing it now can provide immense peace of mind and make a world of difference for your child later.
Once, completed:
• Store the original in a secure place
• Share copies with guardians, trustees, caregivers, and key professionals
• Review and update it at least once per year—or after any major life change
Your child’s needs evolve, and your Letter of Intent should evolve with them.
A Gift to Your Child—and to Their Future Caregivers
A Letter of Intent is one of the most meaningful planning tools you can create. It helps future caregivers step into their role with clarity and confidence, reduces confusion during transitions, and ensures that your child’s daily life continues in a way that reflects your values and your child’s true personality.
If you would like support drafting your Letter of Intent or want to see a sample version, Palladio Consulting LLC is happy to help. This document is a powerful complement to your financial and legal plan—an essential piece of your child’s long-term stability and well-being.
While writing a Letter of Intent can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, it's very important not to postpone this task. Once the Letter of Intent is complete, place the original in a secure location and distribute copies to others involved in your child's life. Then, mark your calendar, setting aside time to revise the Letter of Intent at least once a year so it will continue to reflect your child's current life stage and situation. Feel free to use our version of the Letter of Intent, which can be found here!