USING THE TEXT FORMAT -- STANDARD LEGAL SOFTWARE CONTENTS ========= THE TEXT FORMAT "FILL-IN-THE-BLANK" FORM FIELD INSTRUCTIONS WHAT TO DO WITH THE COMPLETED FORMS GETTING HELP / TECHNICAL SUPPORT THE TEXT FORMAT ============================ IMMEDIATELY UPON OPENING ONE OF THE TEXT FILES, SELECT "SAVE AS" FROM THE FILE MENU, THEREBY CREATING A SEPARATE WORKING COPY OF THE FORM! DO THIS "SAVE AS" BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY ENTRIES OR CHANGES TO THE FORM! You can save the document into the same folder as the original .txt template, but we advise you to rename the document before doing so. (SUGGESTION: you may wish to rename the form with your name and the current date, i.e. "JohnSmith_09-05-04.txt". That way, you know for whom and when the file was created.) A computer's settings dictate what program will be used to open a particular file type. Most often, .txt files automatically open using NotePad or WordPad (typical system text editing programs) or the word processing program that is installed on your system. Double-clicking any of the .txt files in the text forms folder should launch one of these programs on your system automatically. If a text editor or word processing program does not launch automatically by clicking on one of the text forms, then you should start your word processing program manually using the Start>Programs button on your system. Once launched, select File>Open from the top of the word processing program's menu, then browse your way to the desired text form on your system and select the one you wish to access. (If you have a word processing program installed on your machine and double-clicking on a particular text form does not launch it, then check your system's Help Section to learn how to associate programs with specific file extensions.) "FILL-IN-THE-BLANK" FORM FIELD INSTRUCTIONS =========================================== The text versions of the documents provided are "fill-in-the-blank". Each "blank" has a number listed after a line; these numbers correspond to an instruction provided in the introduction section. To use the text format, read the instruction listed in the top of the form for a specific field number (shown as _________[1]) and simply replace the line(s) and the number with the answer/response that should appear in that "field." THERE IS NO NEED TO LEAVE ANY OF THE LINES IN PLACE AFTER THE DOCUMENT IS COMPLETELY EDITED; simply replace the entire line with the appropriate answer. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT ALTER ANY OF THE BASELINE CONTENT (i.e. the text around the blank lines on which you provide your responses) PROVIDED WITHIN THESE LEGAL FORMS! The forms have been written by trained legal professionals so as to cover the most common legal situations relative to the form's topic. Only change the baseline content of these forms if absolutely necessary to have the form conform with your specific situation, if you have a clear understanding of the legal reasoning behind the form's structure, if you are well versed in legal terminology, and if you are professionally capable of making such an important change. If you do not or cannot meet all of these criteria, we strongly suggest that you do not change the form. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF THE LEGAL DOCUMENTS CONTAIN ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FILE! PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! WHAT TO DO WITH COMPLETED FORMS ================================== Once you have fully completed all of the fill-in-the-blank boxes and saved the document one final time, you can print out a paper copy of the completed document. IMPORTANT: WHEN YOU ARE READY TO SIGN THE DOCUMENTS, most of the completed forms require both the signature of the person making the document and the signatures of two other persons who must act as independent witnesses. The two independent witnesses should not be named in the document itself! The two witnesses should both sign and print their names on the appropriate lines within the forms, and then list their address, city and state of residence when applicable. The person making this document should also initial and number each page at the bottom, so as to designate each page as a part of the entire finalized document. MANY LEGAL DOCUMENTS MUST ALSO BE NOTARIZED. If there is a notary's Acknowledgement form included with the legal forms you are completing, then you must have the documents notarized. The person(s) signing the final documents must either sign them in front of the Notary (who can also act as one of the witnesses), or the person making the document must appear before the Notary and acknowledge to the Notary that the signature is his or hers, that the signing of the document is his or her free act and deed, and that he or she is competent to make sign the document. After the document is signed, initialed, witnessed and notarized, make several copies of the same. Keep one set for yourself and distribute the other sets to your most trusted friends or advisors. These copies serve as "backup" versions should the original be lost or destroyed. (However, if the original document is lost or destroyed, making a new document may be an appropriate measure to ensure that no problems are experienced later.) Keep the original document in a safe and fireproof place. Any instructions related to the filing of these legal documents with a specific court are included in the introduction and instructions for each specific form. Not all legal documents are filed with a court upon their creation; please read carefully the instructions provided so that the proper steps are followed regarding court filings. GETTING HELP / TECHNICAL SUPPORT ================================= The most common error regarding the use of the software or the completion of the legal forms is that the user has not fully read the comprehensive instructions provided. PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED PRIOR TO COMPLETING ANY OF THE FORMS! If you have read all of the information provided and are still having difficulty using the forms, please check the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website at http://StandardLegal.net/faqs. If you still have a problem after reviewing this FAQs section, you can also email support@StandardLegal.net to contact one of our support specialists. While we cannot and do not offer you any legal advice with the purchase of this kit, we can help you with any technical issues regarding the file formats and other use issues. Our support staff does its best to answer your question within one business day. (c) 2004 The Standard Legal Network, LLC. All rights reserved. http://StandardLegal.net | 1-888-888-7712