How to Write a Legal Document in MS Word?
Writing a legal document in MS Word is relatively easy if you know what you're doing since it allows you to erase mistakes easily. This type of document contains legal writing that binds two parties together and can come in many forms such as written agreements, legal notices, memorandums, letters, client information sheets, and many more. No matter what the document is, they all have one thing in common; they must be legally solid and professionally written. So, to help you are some tips and tricks in writing your legal documents:
1. Determine Your Legal Specifics
As stated before, there are multiple types of legal documents, and even though they all have a basic conceptual layout, each one has its own specific details. For example, agreements and contracts have signatories, information sheets have cell divisions for data indication purposes, and notices provide a course of action or a change that must be taken or will be applied after a set period of time. Determining what legal specifications your document needs will you draft your text.
2. Do Your Research
You can't just jump right in when you write your legal document, you need to do some research first; you can look for blank samples of the document you are looking for, or find an editable template you can use (like the ones on our website) or even going back to tip one and from there researching on it. If you can, you can even ask for information from a subcontractor if you know anyone. The point is that you need to knowledgeably prepare yourself before you even begin your legal document.
3. Write in a Formal Tone and Layout
Don't expect your document to have much impact if it seems more like an article for creative writing — though you can be creative with you you write it, do not go over the boundaries of professionalism and formal writing. Open up Microsoft Word and use go the page layout settings. For reference, the most accepted format when it comes to legal documents is usually the font style Times New Roman in font size twelve with single spacing in between paragraphs. .This may change from document to document but generally speaking, this is how it's presented most of the time.
4. Include Constitutional Backup
If it is applicable, do make sure that you don't forget what makes a legal document "legal." It can differ depending on which state you are in currently, but what you want to do is find a law or a constitution that can support your document's purpose. In making a legal document, then the criteria you should have for state constitutions that can help you are that they provide penalties for non-compliance which can mean anything ranging from not paying rent, to inability to provide quality service.
5. Proofread
When you're finally done with your work, proofread to get rid of any unwanted or unnecessary sentences and to edit out mistakes. When submitting a legal document that requires meticulous detail, even the smallest error can hurt your professionalism so make sure there are none.
