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

[Melinda]

The main reason I do not send word or pdf docs is that people frequently forward things to others with little thought.  I take our work as lawyers and counsellors seriously and I dont want my documents - which are specific to a particular client’s situation - being used or revised in inexpert ways by others.  I’m sure we’ve all seen those documents come through which were some chopped up version of what likely was an appropriate document for the person for whom it was originally prepared. 

Melinda

Misspelled from my iPhone, which spells as it pleases and is not grammar correctly.

Law Office of Melinda K Grout
PO Box 1360
Monroe, WA 98272
(360) 794-4322. Tel
(425) 744-6745. Fax

Notice:  This message is intended only for the addressee, and may contain confidential and/or privileged information.  If you are not the intended recipient, it is too late to stop reading, but please do not use it for any improper purpose.



> On Sep 17, 2019, at 3:51 PM, Brent Williams-Ruth <brent at williams-ruthlaw.com> wrote:
> 
> When I started out on my own, I used to send drafts (even as PDF's) - but as a not-so-young, solo, I was quickly schooled in the ways of the dishonest.
> 
> As has been previously stated - even with a PDF - your work product may not be safe.  It is expressly written into my fee agreement that I will NOT send draft documents.  If someone wants me to ensure that I collected all of the appropriate information and spellings - I will send an email with just a list of names, addresses, a recitation of their words to me regarding their wishes but not in any usable format or with any of the other "magic" language that makes a Will, POA, Trust, etc. have its power. 
> 
> If a draft is truly that important - there is a specific extra fee and the cost of printing and mailing.  I have stopped allowing someone the easy way to take my work product.  Now, if they want to try to OCR or just re-type then go ahead. 
> Brent Williams-Ruth 
> Attorney-At-Law
> 
> Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC
> 
> Office/Scheduling Phone: (425) 830-5134
> 
> Direct Mobile: (206) 889-7919
> 
> e-mail / website / facebook / 
> 
> As of July 1, 2019 - I began operating as the Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC. Please note the new points of contact Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com and www.Williams-RuthLaw.com 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Tue, Sep 17, 2019 at 2:01 PM Jeff Davis <jeff at bellanddavispllc.com> wrote:
>> 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
>> www.bellanddavispllc.com
>>  
>> The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged, confidential, and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you think that you have received this e-mail message in error, please e-mail the sender at info at bellanddavispllc.com  or call 360.683.1129
>> 
>>  
>> 
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