Customer Reviews

Step-By-Step Legal Forms and Agreements

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Unlike the previous reviewer, I found the book to be excellent. The instructions are easy (with a 1-2-3 fill-in-the-blank approach), and the forms are well-drafted. Although some of the forms are drafted in "archaic" language, so are many standard legal forms found in many law firm "form files" and in Blumberg forms, which are relied on extensively by practicing attorneys. Yes, there is a modern trend towards "plain english," but unless you are illiterate, you'll find that the forms are clear, and they cover most situations and contingencies. I highly recommend it over all other consumer-oriented formbooks on the market.

I like legal guides for consumers because the law should be accessible to nonlawyers. But I can't recommend this one. The forms offered in this book use an archaic and legalistic style that is falling out of favor among lawyers and that is hard for the nonlawyer to understand. That's too bad because the intended audience for this book is nonlawyers.

The forms should have been drafted according to modern, plain English standards: no more "WITNESSETH" or "in witness whereof"; no more "herein," "hereby," or "whereas"; no more long sentences, convoluted constructions, and awkward document design; and finally, no more use of unnecessary legal jargon like "shall," "that certain," and "pursuant to."