Organization

The REAL Probate System organizes the documents is a chronological order.  This helps the attorney and/or staff member to easily navigate the HotDocs Library.  The only exception to this is the resources sub-folder which is arranged categorically.  The resource sub-folder includes checklists, questionnaires, interviews, tutorials about how to use the system, and other miscellaneous documents that will help you through the probate process.   HotDocs also includes the ability to search for documents specific documents through the find feature.

Interviews, Checklists, Questionnaires, and Worksheets

The REAL Probate System uses a specific naming convention for resource files to help the end-user understand the templates intended purpose.  Interviews are documents that are used during interactions with the client.  Checklists are used to keep track of the client, the client'
s documents, and the estate.  Questionnaires are templates designed to be filled out by the client without the attorney's assistance.  Worksheets are there to help the attorney make probate decisions and organize his or her law practice.  To see some examples click here.

Firm and General Information

The system's General Information interview template is a special type of template that is designed to gather information from the user about the firm, store the information in a database, and then transfer the stored information into all other documents.  The General information stores the firm name and address, attorney information, staff information, court information, frequently used businesses, and general document preparation information.  To see what the general information looks like click here.

Pick Lists

The REAL Probate System uses pick lists for people, businesses, courts, newspapers, and notary dialogs to help eliminate re-entry of information.  Clicking the select button on an appropriate dialog will open up a list of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the people or entities already entered for this client.  Additionally, names and other information can be added to the pick list while it is open for selection. 

The selection of people and businesses with an important role in the probate is simplified with the addition of the REAL pick list auto-updater.  In most cases, once an entity's information is entered into a form or letter, the information is automatically extracted from the letter and inserted into the pick list.  The pick list will track this information across the different forms and letters to make sure any new or updated information that is added is updated in the pick list as well. 

Customization

You can customize the final Word documents to meet the specific needs of your clients and office.  You also have the ability to customize the HotDocs templates with HotDocs Standard or Pro.