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

[nestor at pplsweb.com]

I watermark my drafts with a big red “Draft” and password protect so the watermark cannot be removed.

 

Nestor Gorfinkel, Attorney at Law

Licensed in Washington & Florida

Florida Civil-Law (International) Notary

 

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P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

 

 

 

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Brent Williams-Ruth
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 3:52 PM
To: Jeff Davis <jeff at bellanddavispllc.com>; WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <WSBAPT at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] Providing Client with word version of draft demand letters/estate planning documents

 

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 <mailto:Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com>  / website <http://www.Williams-RuthLaw.com/>  /  <http://www.facebook.com/bwrconsults> 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 <mailto:Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com>  and www.Williams-RuthLaw.com <http://www.Williams-RuthLaw.com>  

 

 

On Tue, Sep 17, 2019 at 2:01 PM Jeff Davis <jeff at bellanddavispllc.com <mailto: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 <mailto:info at bellanddavispllc.com> 
www.bellanddavispllc.com <http://www.bellanddavispllc.com/> 
 
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