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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">I share your concern. My firm once got into an issue with a client who had altered his own trust after our firm had prepared it. The RPC does not directly address this question, but I would think that your
duty to communicate with your client does not require that you facilitate your client altering a professionally-prepared document. I would decline the request. Especially if you are asked to sign the resulting document. On the other hand, your client can
make suggestions for you to consider including in the document.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">At the very least, if you send out a Word document, you should disclaim any responsibility for any consequences of any kind if it is later altered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Sounds like your relationship with the client might be coming to an end. Perhaps for the better. Client selection (or de-selection) is a valuable tool. We should all use it more often. Life is too short.
And litigation risk too large.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Phil Jones<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Portland, OR<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com [mailto:wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Jeff Davis<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, September 17, 2019 1:49 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv' <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] Providing Client with word version of draft demand letters/estate planning documents<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Listmates:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jeff Davis<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black">W. Jeff Davis, Esq.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif;color:black">BELL & DAVIS PLLC<br>
P.O. Box 510<br>
Sequim WA 98382<br>
Phone No.:(360) 683.1129 <br>
Fax No.: (360) 683.1258 <br>
email: <a href="mailto:info@bellanddavispllc.com"><span style="color:blue">info@bellanddavispllc.com</span></a><br>
<a href="http://www.bellanddavispllc.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:blue">www.bellanddavispllc.com</span></a><br>
<br>
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 <a href="mailto:info@bellanddavispllc.com">
<span style="color:blue">info@bellanddavispllc.com</span></a> or call 360.683.1129</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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