An Online Letter of Intent

Every parent worries about whether their child’s well-being in the event of a tragedy. These concerns are compounded for parents of children with special needs, who may not have the capacity to communicate their needs with their caregivers.

As a parent, you intimately understand your child’s daily routines, medical needs, educational requirements, favorite foods, and support system. But if something were to happen to you, would the person you’ve entrusted with their care have all the necessary information to ensure a smooth transition?

A Letter of Intent

A letter of intent (LOI) is a valuable estate planning tool that helps parents provide critical information to future caregivers. It serves as a roadmap, offering insights into the child’s medical history, personal preferences, and support system to minimize disruptions in their care. For Information on what to include in a letter of intent, read: What is a Letter of Intent for Child With Special Needs?

A Digital Alternative: The Online Letter of Intent

Thanks to modern technology, parents now have an online solution for sharing this essential information with caregivers. Vest is a cloud-based tool for parents of children with special needs. It allows parents to organize and share important information about their child with family members, teachers, babysitters and anyone else who cares for their child.

Vest allows you to create a “Vest” for your child with special needs. Within each Vest, you can add information pertaining to a host of categories, including:

• Family & Caregiver Contacts – Emergency contacts, key people involved in daily care
• Medical & Health Information – Diagnoses, reports, medications, and treatment plans
• Daily Routines & Meal Plans – Sleeping habits, dietary needs, and behavioral triggers
• Education & Social Engagement – IEP details, school preferences, extracurricular activities
• Religious & Spiritual Beliefs – Important traditions, religious practices, and values

Once added, parents can control access to the information, selectively sharing specific details with family members, educators, and caregivers. It is also possible to update or revoke access at any time, which ensures flexibility and privacy.

Click on the link for more information about Vest.

Secure Your Child’s Future with Thoughtful Planning

Whether through a traditional Letter of Intent or an online tool like Vest, documenting your child’s unique needs and preferences is important to ensure their continuity of care. If you need help incorporating a Letter of Intent into your estate plan, an experienced special needs planning attorney can help ensure your child’s future is protected.

Published April 30, 2014; updated February 11, 2025.