[WSBAPT] Providing Client with word version of draft demand letters/estate planning documents

[Diane J. Kiepe]

I would argue this is not covered by 1.4 at all. It is  not at all reasonable to allow a client to demand you present a word document in my opinion.  I would be concerned about liability for doing so, if they revised it and used it and later had a problem.  I would be curious what the bar hotline would say.

Maybe something to add to the ever-ending disclosures in the engagement?

Best to you -

Diane J. Kiepe
From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Jeff Davis
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 1:49 PM
To: 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Providing Client with word version of draft demand letters/estate planning documents

Listmates:

Recently I have had different clients request I provide them with a word version of my proposed demand letter, involving an easement issue, and trust agreement, respectively.  They wanted to redraft the letter and the other wanted to add things to the trust.  I declined to provide the word version.  One person got really nasty saying by not doing so violated RPC 1.4.  In all my years I have never allowed a client to draft letters or pleadings that I sign.  Have any of you faced this issue and how have you dealt with it?

Jeff Davis

W. Jeff Davis, Esq.
BELL & DAVIS PLLC
P.O. Box 510
Sequim WA 98382
Phone No.:(360) 683.1129
Fax No.: (360) 683.1258
email: info at bellanddavispllc.com<mailto:info at bellanddavispllc.com>
www.bellanddavispllc.com<http://www.bellanddavispllc.com/>

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