Leaving Instructions for Loved Ones
Executors benefit from having additional information when administering estates, particularly when they lack familiarity with the deceased or their family members. A letter of intent or instruction serves as a valuable resource in such situations.
Purpose for Families with Disabled Children
Letters of intent are frequently recommended for parents of disabled children to document information for after the parent’s death. Legal documents address specific issues but may not be the appropriate place for personal details about the child or the parent’s wishes for their future. Estate plans require supplementary information, especially when minor children are involved.
These documents clarify parental wishes regarding the child’s care following death, whether that occurs early or later in life. Initial concerns include identifying who will provide care if the parent dies or becomes incapacitated, where the child will reside, and what financial resources will support them. Beyond these basics, questions arise about the child’s preferences and particular needs.
Broader Applications
Letters of intent extend beyond disabled children. They answer questions about special information only a parent possesses and inform future decisions about care and living arrangements. These letters can also include funeral and burial preferences, from musical selections to headstone inscriptions.
Storage Considerations
Avoid safe deposit boxes. This common mistake creates problems because executors can only access safe deposit box contents after receiving letters of administration – which occurs after the funeral. Bank sealing of boxes upon notification of death can further delay access.
Better solution: Keep all important documents – wills, powers of attorney, health directives, insurance forms, cemetery deeds, and contact information for professional advisors – in a secure, accessible location known to a trusted person. Store them in a fireproof safe within the home and provide that person with necessary keys. When documents are moved, inform the designated person of the new location.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with estate planning, do not hesitate to contact The Stegall Law Firm for guidance.
