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1991-12-20
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Version 7.5 - THE HOME AND BUSINESS LEGAL GUIDE
AND FORM GENERATOR MANUAL
Copyright 1990 Kraft & Byron
Portions Copyright 1991 Kraft, Byron & Clary
All Rights Reserved
This manual is spaced to allow easy insertion in a three ring
binder after printing!
THIS PROGRAM IS A SHORTENED VERSION OF THE HOME AND
BUSINESS LEGAL GUIDE!!! We shortened it to make it a realistic
length upload/download. It is not crippled!! The entire program
with 3 disks of data is available on line through Shareware
Distribution Network BBS's, through virtually every shareware
distributor, or if you can't find it at all, through us!!!!
It is not our intent to withhold features or make you register
in the dark! (Again, we the full program is available from
many sources.)
THIS PROGRAM IS DISTRIBUTED AS SHAREWARE.
ABOUT SHAREWARE
(The following is courtesy of Paul Mayer, although we have
added some comments; we don't claim copyright to Mr. Mayer's
writings)
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. With registration, you
get anything from the simple right to continue using the
software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial
software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a
few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are
accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and
the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there
are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the
method of distribution. The author specifically grants the
right to copy and distribute the software. either to all and
sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors
require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may
copy their Shareware. (Our policy allows persons or user
groups to freely distribute the shareware, evaluation version
of the program. Commercial disk vendors must contact us
first.)
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software.
You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware systems
makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before
you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also.
Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee-- if you don't
use the product, you don't pay for it.
If you are not a registered user of this program, you may use
this version of the program for a reasonable time (30 days is
suggested). If at the end of a reasonable trial you continue
to use the program, or if you are using the program to prepare
documents or for advice, and continue to use it, you must
register. The registration fee is $ 59.00 (see complete
details in Section 4-4); this entitles you to:
1. The most current version of the program with full manual
2. Any updates to the executable program for one year
(subsequent years are $ 20); all data updates to for one year
3. Access to our PRIVATE bbs for updates
4. Support: During the first 30 days of ownership, we provide
up to 2 hours of telephone support; support via mail and
unlimited BBS support through our private bbs; after 30 days
you may receive unlimited bbs and mail support, and a total of
one additional hour of telephone support
5. A discount of 20% on other programs marketed by us.
You may register by phone at 1-904-877-7139 or by fax, at 904-
656-6495. The document generator prepares a form which you
should use to make your order. Checks, money orders, Master
Card and Visa are accepted. Our BBS is available to you at
904-656-2263 (N,8,1-- 2400 baud MNP 5).
mail:
R FRINGE SOFTWARE FULFILLMENT
c/o BYRON
P.O. Box 796
Casselberry, Florida 32707
DISTRIBUTION OF THE PROGRAM
This program is provided in different versions. HOWEVER THIS
PROGRAM IS NOT CRIPPLED IN ANY WAY. The version which you are
now using is the evaluation version, one that consists of
EVERYTHING to date in this program through December, 1991.
This program contains a shareware reminder. The registered
program does not, and also has the users' names "branded" on
it.
You are encourage to pass a copy of this program or to upload
it to your favorite BBS or to user groups or friends for
evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if
they find that they can use it. All registered users will
receive the benefits stated above.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS DISK OR TO UPLOAD THESE
FILES. IN EITHER CASE YOU MUST SHARE ALL OF THE FILES
Please note that we also have a condensed version of our
package this version is made smaller so that it can be
uploaded in a reasonable amount of time to BBS systems. If you
would like to upload this package, we suggest that you use the
smaller version. For a copy of this, drop us a line and we'll
send you one.
INTRODUCTION
A. PLEASE READ ALL FILES WITH EXTENSIONS OF ".TXT" that came
with your program ME FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR IMPORTANT
INFORMATION AND ANY LAST MINUTE NEWS AND CHANGES. To print out
the manual please use the command:
<pguide>
SPECIAL NOTE: IN THIS MANUAL ITEMS TO BE ENTERED ON THE
COMPUTER ARE ENCLOSED IN ANGLED BRACKETS "< >". Follow the
entry with the ENTER key. Do not type the brackets as they are
only placeholders for text to be entered by you.
B. ORGANIZATION OF MANUALS-- We provide two separate but
complimentary manuals. The first is the "quickstart" manual.
If you are a power user, this very brief manual explains each
active key and function. The second manual (the one that you
are now reading) is a detailed manual, consisting of 8
sections:
1) System Requirements/Installation
2) Use of the program
3) The information needed to generate legal forms
4) Customer Satisfaction- Support
5) About our staff
6) Legalese-- warranties, trademarks, warnings
7) Index
SECTION ONE
INSTALLATION
Section 1-1
INSTALLATION
To install the HOME AND BUSINESS LEGAL GUIDE AND FORMS
GENERATOR, (We'll call it Home Legal for short) first back up
your installation disks by using the MS DOS command DISKCOPY.
For more information about DISKCOPY, consult your computer's
manual. Place the master disks that you received in a safe
place and use your backup copies.
To begin installation, switch to the floppy disk drive that
you will use to run the installation program, and then enter
<INSTALL>
follow this with the
<ENTER>
key. (The "enter" key is sometimes labeled "RETURN" or with a
descending left arrow.)
Follow the on screen prompts to complete the installation
process. This will take some time. Sorry! But it does take
some time to get all of the information we provide onto your
computer. You must have a hard drive to use this program with
approximately 2.1 megabytes free. (For users of earlier
versions of the Home Legal Guide, you'll agree it's now faster
than it was.)
SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS
In order to operate this program, your computer must:
1) have an IBM PC compatible operation a version of M.S. DOS,
D.R. DOS or P.C. DOS of 3.3 or higher or OS/2, PS/2; this
program happily runs under Windows environments/Multi tasking
environments and also runs in "MS DOS EMULATIONS" in Open Desk
Top and other UNIX systems that can run MS DOS programs.
To find out which version of dos you are using, please enter:
<ver>
and you will receive a cheery message such as
MS-DOS VER 3.30
in general this program will operate on XT compatibles, '286
compatibles (AT Class) and '386 compatible systems; 486
systems;
2) have a hard drive (fixed disk);
3) have at least 448 K Bytes of USABLE memory; many computer
users have machines that are installed with 512K, 640K or more
but install many Terminate and stay resident (TSR or "memory
resident" programs) which each use memory, dropping available
for usable memory to less than 448 K; if you cannot operate
this program dump out of it (the time honored process pressing
Control, Alternate and Delete at once to "warm" reboot) and at
a system prompt type, exactly
<chkdsk>
Your machine should whirl and click and then announce
something like this:
655360 bytes total memory
620000 bytes free
if you have less that 448000 bytes of memory free, then you
must read the manuals for your memory resident software and
delete some of them so that you have at least 448000 free when
you run this program. There are utilities that "manage"
terminate and stay resident program advertised in your
favorite computer magazine. If you would like an operating
environment that manages memory and can make your computer
stand on its head allowing multitasking among many other great
things, check out the great products from Quarterdeck.(tm)
IMPORTANT CAVEAT: Many computer users employ file management
shells like the Norton Commander(tm) or PC TOOLS (versions 6
and higher) to help them manage their systems. These programs
consume memory when used. Often persons also load several
Terminate and stay resident utilities (T.S.R's) and a file
manager. The likely result is that you will be often reduced
to less than 300k free memory. This will S.. L.. O.. W.. down
your system and cause many programs not to load at all.
Running the HOME LEGAL GUIDE directly from DOS is simple and
recommended!
We get calls now and then about the document generation
program not loading. In EVERY occasion that this occurs it is
because you have less than 448K FREE RAM. Really. Honestly.
Let's assume that you have a computer with 640K RAM. You can
still be running with less than 448K RAM free by loading
numerous drivers, TSR's and shells. Please check what your
free memory is if you find that the document generator will
not load and drops you to DOS following the instructions
above.
There is no minimum requirement for graphics adapters or
color. The program will happily run on a text-mono system; and
it looks very great on a VGA system! Due to our design
philosophy the program will run on a system with NO color and
no graphics capability at all.
A printer is recommended so that you can fully use the HOME
LEGAL GUIDE (You cannot print out legal documents without
access to a printer.)
SECTION 2
USE OF THE PROGRAM
STEP ONE (LOGICALLY) STARTING THE PROGRAM
Section 2-1 QUICK START MANUAL
A separate file on this disk contains a "quick start manual"
for experienced applications users which gives all of the
active keys for each program. A detailed manual follows.
Section 2-2 START UP AND MAIN MENU
In order to start the program, be sure that you have either
have the computer in the legal subdirectory or that the
program is on the current path. Now type:
<GUIDE>
(or <guide> or <guIDE> in MS-DOS, they are the same to the
computer.) and press the Return
<Return>
key. The main menu offers a help screen.
Section 2-3
MOUSE USERS
Your mouse driver must be loaded before attempting to use a
mouse on the program. For more information on loading your
mouse driver, please see the manual which came with your
rodent. To begin using the program, type
<Mguide>
then <Return>. Clicking the left button sends a carriage
return, the right button page down, both buttons, sends
Escape. Moving the rodent up and down advances the cursor up
and down. NOTE: We do not have a separate mouse cursor. The
mouse is emulating the cursor keys.
Section 2-4
SELECTING FROM THE OPTIONS PROVIDED
To select your choice, either use the cursor keys (up and down
arrows) to highlight the choice you want, or, enter the letter
corresponding to your choice, and then press
<Return>.
We will explain the operation of the statutes, and tutorials
(mini-seminars), document preparation and editing documents
separately.
Section 2-5
THE SHELL GAME- OUR DOS "SHELL"
Choice "S"- DOS Shell-- Our DOS "shell" is a utility program
which allows you to perform tasks, while retaining the HOME
LEGAL GUIDE in memory. For example, if you want to format a
floppy disk, but do not want to exit the program, then choose
the DOS Shell option, by either highlighting this option using
the cursor keys (up and down arrows) or pressing
<S>
then press <RETURN>.
You will then see a message indicating that your operating
system has been loaded. For example,
Microsoft (R) MS-DOS (R) Version 3.30
(C) Copyright Microsoft Corp. 1981-1986
you may then operate DOS commands. At all times, the PC Law
Office remains in memory. To resume use of the program, type
<EXIT> and then <Return> or <Enter> (On some machines the key
is marked return, on others enter, and some have a left
descending arrow.) This will return you to the opening screen.
Section 2-6
The Navigator
At the bottom of each screen the active keys are listed, and
what each key does. This "navigator" strip is your first
resource for help in getting around the program.
Section 2-7
STATUTES MENU
The HOME LEGAL GUIDE contains the full text, with attorney's
explanations of many important laws and governmental
regulations. To choose this option from the main menu, press
<B>
and then <ENTER> (Return), or highlight this option by using
the cursor keys- up and down arrows.
Once you are reading the full text, you will occasionally see
blocks of text marked with "/*" and closed with "*/." These
are distinguishing placeholders to show comments as opposed to
the full text of the law or regulation. Copyright stuff: We do
not claim copyright on government material contained in the
statutes menu. However we do claim copyright on all the rest
of the program and on the comments within the statutes.
Section 2-8 BROWSING THROUGH THE STATUTES
You may read the statutes by pressing the page up, page down,
cursor keys for up and down (up and down arrows.) The left and
right cursor keys are special. The left arrow key returns you
to the previous comment; the right arrow searches for the next
comment.
If you press the left arrow key and the text does not
change, this means that you are seeing the first comment; if
you press the right arrow key and the text does not change you
are then viewing the last comment in the file.
Section 2-9 LET'S TAKE NOTES
USE OF THE "NOTE PAD"- JOT NOTES
WHILE LEARNING ABOUT THE LAW
If you want to take a note while reading the tutorial, put our
memory resident note pad to work. From any point once you are
reading the text of the tutorial type
<F2> (Function key 2)
and then a note pad will open on the bottom of the screen.
This is a nice feature so that you won't lose your place or
have to go get a pad and paper if you find something
interesting that you might want to take notes about. Since it
is for jotting notes, we have made it very simple to use.
Simply type in your note, using the backspace key to erase
characters.
NOTE PAD HELP
To get help regarding the note pad utility, simply press
<F1>, (function key one)
while the note pad is open. The help screen contains a full
explanation of the note pad's use.
PRINTING OUT YOUR NOTES
To print out our notes, make sure that your printer is ready,
power on, properly connected, with paper and ribbons, and then
press
<F3> (Function key 3)
ERASING AND SAVING NOTES
<F10> (Function key 10)
erases everything on the note pad. You cannot recover notes
once erased by using F10. To "toggle" back and forth between
the note pad and the text of the tutorial, press
<F2> (Function key 2)
Your notes are saved automatically every time that you toggle
back and forth between the note pad and the tutorial's main
text.
Section 2-10 SPECIAL STATUTE- DEFINITIONS
This program contains a special "statute"- the on line legal
phrase dictionary. Select this option to look up unfamiliar
legal terms. Please let us know if you find other words we
should define.
Section 2- 11 EXITING THE STATUTES
To leave a statute, you may press
Escape <ESC>
which will return you to the statutes menu. To return to the
main menu, press
<M>
To exit the program completely, press
<X>
which will send you back to DOS and quit the program.
Section 2-12 TUTORIAL (MINI-SEMINAR) MENU
WHAT IS A TUTORIAL/ MINI-SEMINAR?
The HOME LEGAL GUIDE mini-seminars called "tutorials" about
the subjects that our research and your requests show are of
the most interest to our users. To select this option, either
highlight option C from the main menu, or, enter the letter
<C>
Then press <ENTER> (Return.)
NOTE THAT THERE IS MORE THAN ON SCREEN OF TUTORIALS. TO SEE
ALL SELECTIONS PLEASE USE THE PAGE DOWN OR CURSOR KEYS TO
REACH THE END.
These "tutorials" or "mini-seminars" are a discussion of the
rights and obligations that the law provides for each tutorial
area. LET US KNOW ABOUT OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST AND WE'LL
PREPARE SOMETHING ON THAT AREA IN THE FUTURE. You're the boss.
Section 2-13 SELECTING A TUTORIAL/MINI-SEMINAR
Once you have determined which tutorial you might want to
read or review, please highlight it by using the cursor keys
(up and down arrows). Then press <Return>. You will then be
able to see the text of a tutorial.
You can read through the tutorial by using the cursor keys,
page down, page up or the home or end keys. (Note that our
clever programming methods- Good job Warren-- make going from
one end to another virtually instantaneous.)
Section 2-14 TAKING NOTES
You may take notes as discussed in Section 2-9.
Section 2-15 READING FULL TEXT OF LAWS OR REGULATIONS
DISCUSSED- OPENING A SECOND WINDOW
Let's get back to the tutorial. If you would like to read and
review the full text of the laws discussed in a tutorial or
mini-seminar, you can review this simultaneously with the
tutorial by opening a second "window." To do so, press the
letter
<S>
and you will be able to select to view the on line dictionary
or view a help screen for tutorials. In addition, many
tutorials also have further explanatory material.
To select which option you desire, use the cursor keys (up and
down arrow) to highlight the item you want to view. Then press
return. The selected item (the on line dictionary, help or
other materials) will then appear on the screen; to toggle
back and forth between the mini-seminar and the selected full
annotated text, press
<O>
You can still open a note pad if you have both the mini-
seminar and the full text selected. Many mini-seminars have
more than one full text selection. If you want to review a
different full annotated text from that originally selected,
return to the tutorial, and press
<S>
which will reopen the full annotated text menu. Select the new
full text by using the cursor (up and down arrow keys).
Section 2-16 DEFINITIONS OF LEGAL TERMS
If legal terms are used in the mini-seminar, they are also
defined in the on line legal dictionary. Simply press
<S>
and select this option for the on line legal phrase book- our
mini legal dictionary. Press
<O>
to toggle back and forth between the dictionary and the text.
To select help or full text, return to the tutorial text,
press
<S>
and select the other full text.
Section 2-17 EXITING THE TUTORIAL
To stop reading, press Escape
(ESC)
to return to the tutorial menu,
<M>
to return to the main menu, or
<X>
to exit (quit) the program and to return to DOS. That was
easy-wasn't it!
Section 2-18 DRAFTING DOCUMENTS
THE DOCUMENT GENERATOR
We are very proud of our document generation program and hope
that you will be as well. Through the use of this part of the
program you will be able to draft custom legal papers that are
legal and binding in all 50 states. These forms will
accomplish their objectives of course, if you use a form that
isn't right, or doesn't completely accomplish your goal,
you'll have a legal and valid form that accomplishes something
other than you desired.
READ CAREFULLY
****************************************************************
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY REVIEW DOCUMENTS THAT YOU
MIGHT PREPARE FROM TIME TO TIME; THE DOCUMENTS HEREIN ARE
VALID IN THAT IF THEY ARE PROPERLY PREPARED THEY WILL BE
EFFECTIVE TO CAUSE THE INTENDED RESULT. THIS MEANS HOWEVER,
THAT A USE OF THE FORMS FOR AN INAPPROPRIATE PURPOSE WILL
RESULT IN AN INAPPROPRIATE RESULT. WE IMPLORE YOU TO SEEK
LEGAL COUNSEL IF THE FAILURE OF A LEGAL FORM TO ACCOMPLISH THE
INTENDED PURPOSE WILL BE FINANCIAL LOSS. UNDER THE DISCLAIMERS
OF WARRANTIES HEREIN, DAMAGES MAY NOT BE RECOVERED FOR THE
MONETARY LOSSES AND OTHER DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES SHOULD A FORM NOT MEET YOUR NEEDS. YOU'LL STILL SAVE
TIME AND MONEY BY USING THE FORMS-JUST HAVE THEM REVIEWED. IN
ADDITION BE SURE TO GET THE LATEST FORMS BY CHECKING IN FOR
UPDATES.
****************************************************************
In order to begin using the forms generator, from the main
menu, please select option "D", prepare legal documents, by
either entering
<D>
and then <Return> or using the cursor keys (up and down
arrows) to select this option.
NOTE THAT THERE IS MORE THAN ONE SCREEN OF CHOICES, either
scroll to the end, or use "Page Down" (you may have to do this
more than once) to see all selections.
The document menu lists the many available choices. Use the up
and down arrows to highlight the document which you want to
select.
****************************************************************
LAWS CHANGE AND THIS MAY FORCE A CHANGE IN FORMS TO MAKE THEM
COMPLY WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK FOR
UPDATES. WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED CONTAINS THE FORMS TO THE DATE
OF SHIPPING AND IS SUPPLEMENTED AND UPDATED REGULARLY.
****************************************************************
Once "inside" a document you will have the opportunity to
enter information, and "custom build" your form.
SECTION 2-19 BUILDING DOCUMENTS: SCREENS
You will then see two types of form building screens- a
multiple choice box and a fill in the blank box.
SECTION 2-20 FILL IN THE BLANK SCREENS
First the fill in the blank box:
Enter, exactly as you wish to see it, the information
requested. Be careful to put it in the format requested- if
the fill in the blank box asks for the information in
numerals, use numerals. If it asks for information in numbers,
enter numbers. Once you have finished filling in the blanks,
then hit return. You can "edit" a line prior to entering
"return" by using the backspace key. If you have made a
horrible goof and want to start from scratch, use the tab
forward key to highlight the "cancel" choice on the bottom of
the dialogue box, and press return. The document will then be
canceled. You will be returned to the document preparation
main menu.
On occasions the space which is provided for entry of data is
too small. In that case, simply enter in the fill in the blank
box "See exhibit 1 (etc.)" and use a separate sheet to
continue. Or you can fill in the document and then use the
built-in word processor to put in the rest of the information.
SECTION 2-21 MULTIPLE CHOICE SCREENS
You will also see multiple choice boxes. Use the up arrow
and down arrow (cursor keys) to place the "bullet" in the
choice that you would like, and press <Return>.
SECTION 2-22 NUMERICAL AMOUNTS
When amounts of money need to be input, enter them in the
following form:
213.45 or 22000.00
commas and dollar signs are not required and should not be
used. The program will prompt for numerical amounts and then
will transliterate them into their numerical equivalents.
Thus, if you enter 100, the program will show it as
$ 100.00 (One hundred dollars and xx/100)
automatically!
SECTION 2-23 SUGGESTED INPUTS
Many screens contain suggested inputs. For example, the
"number of days between installments" on the installment
promissory note has several choices. The final choice "KEY IN
VALUE" allows you to put whichever choice you desire in the
form if the suggestions don't fit your needs. To enter your
own value, place the bullet in the key in value choice and
then press ENTER. Then type in your choice.
SECTION 2-22 FINISHING DOCUMENTS- NAMING DOCUMENTS
Once you've finished preparing a document, press
<S>
(for save) and then fill in the name of the document. Ms-dos
limits you to eight characters and an extension on a file, for
example- "guide.exe." We don't-- your document can be named
meaningfully using up to 72 characters, including blanks--
Thus, a note from Joe to Fred for $ 1.00 done on 1/1/90 can be
named:
Note from Joe to Fred- value $ 1.00 dated 1/1/92
Use a completely descriptive name so you will know exactly
what the document is.
SECTION 2-23 PRINTING DOCUMENTS
To print out a document, after completing your answers,
and seeing the document, press <P>, and a dialogue box will
ask you use the cursor key to say "yes" or "no." Before saying
yes be sure that the printer is connected to the computer,
turned on, has ribbons and paper. (Or if it is a laser
printer, that it has toner and paper!) You may use a printer
of your choice from daisy wheel, a dot matrix to a laser.
IF YOU ARE USING A LASER PRINTER BE SURE TO CLEAR OUT ANY
CODES THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE SET FOR GRAPHICS OR LANDSCAPE
PRINTING.
The specific forms and the information required to complete
them are discussed in section 3.
SECTION 2-24 REVIEWING DOCUMENTS
To print out a document which you previously saved, go to
the main menu and either use the cursor key or enter the
letter
<E>
and then press <Return>. The documents, with titles that you
have chosen will appear on screen. To see one, highlight that
document and press <Return.> To print, press
<P>
check that you are ready and then print away. To delete a
document, first select the document, and press enter so that
you
are viewing that document. To delete hold down the
<Alt> key and while holding the ALT key down, press <D>
(for delete.) This will permanently erase a document, and
in most cases even an undelete program will not save you! Be
sure that you intend to do so before zapping a document to
never-never land!
SECTION 2-25
EDITING DOCUMENTS
Once you have prepared a document, you may change it with the
built in text editor.
****************************************************************
A word from our chief developer, Herb Kraft (attorney at law):
WARNING: If you change a single word that is part of the legal
requirements of the form, you may (certainly will) turn the
document into gibberish, or the exact opposite of what you
want. Some forms should never be changed, like state mandated
living will forms. One word does make a huge difference.
Please, please, please, don't change things around unless you
understand what you are doing or are an attorney, paralegal or
business person trained in the law. We have provided the
capability to edit forms primarily to allow you to use the
word processor to format the text. YOU ARE TOTALLY ON YOUR OWN
WHEN YOU CHANGE ANY WORDS IN THE FORMS. Good luck! I apologize
for the tone of this warning. It is intended to sober you and
keep you from making changes! As an attorney, I have seen all
too many times that people "improve" on the standard form of
contract forms or state approved forms and ruin everything.
****************************************************************
The text editor provides the following functions (you may see
this same information by entering
<F1>
(function key 1)
while using the word processor.
^ = Control # = Shift @ = Alt
Cursor Movement Block commands File commands
Up - up line @B - mark column block F2 - save
Down - down line @L - mark line block F3 - quit
Home - begin of line @U - unmark block F4 - save/quit
End - end of line @G - group delete block
PGUP - page up @M - move block
PGDN - page down @C - copy block
^Right - word right @K - kopy block
^Left - word left @O - overlay block Other commands
^Home - top of screen @P - print block Del - delete char
^End - bottom of screen @W - write block to file Tab - tab
^PGUP - top of file @E - block expand tabs Ins - toggle insert
^PGDN - bottom of file @F - fill column block @I - toggle indent
@Z - jump (zip) to line @= - dup line
^W - scroll up Find/Replace commands @- - delete to eol
^X - scroll down ^F5 - toggle search case ^Y - delete line
#F5 - find forward @D - delete line
Window Commands #F6 - find backward @A - add line
F9 - split window F5 - repeat find forward @S - split line
#F9 - resize window F6 - repeat find backward @J - join line
F10 - next window #F7 - replace forward @T - set tabs
#F10 - previous window #F8 - replace backward ^] - paren balance
NOTE: THE MOUSE IS DISABLED DURING USE OF OUR EDITOR.
SECTION 3
FORMS- INFORMATION REQUIRED
SECTION 3-1 FORMS IN GENERAL
In this section of the manual, we'll explain what information
is needed to prepare each form, and will outline for what
purposes the form is useful.
THE HOME LEGAL GUIDE provides a large library of forms for
your use. Before you draft any form, please read and consider
the directions on each form.
Our directions tell you what information that you'll need to
complete each form, what you should have read in the package
before beginning.
SECTION 3-2 GENERAL FORMS
We begin with general forms. Again- we welcome your
suggestions for future forms! Let us know.
The complete list of forms is contained in the
index.
SECTION 3-7 BILL OF SALE FOR USED GOODS
This form is used to as a combination receipt and bill of
sale. It is intended solely for a deal in which a CONSUMER
sells something that they own to another person. This form was
prepared because small claims courts are populated with cases
in which someone who has bought a used boat motor, or
whatever, sues the seller claiming that the product failed to
work, etc. However, the law in most states is that there IS NO
WARRANTY when a person who is not a dealer in that type of
goods sells them.
Information needed:
Name of the seller; name of the buyer; description of the
goods sold- here be sure to call it a "used" whatever;
The form provides the following choices as to the payment of
the sales price: cash, or part cash and assumption of liens.
For example, if there is a lien on a stereo you are selling,
then the sales price is for cash of whatever and the buyer
agreeing to pay the lien. In this case have the name of the
lien holder and the amount of the liens handy.
If you are financing a purchase of something don't use this
form. Instead, use the security agreement form.
purchase. The option price (whether $ 1.00 or a discount to
the assumed value or more) is also stated.
In some cases, particularly "true leases" maintenance is
provided by the leasing company. Options are provided for
either the leasing company or the customer to provide service.
SECTION 3-23 GUARANTEE FORMS
A guarantee is an agreement by one party to pay the debt, or
to take care of the obligations of another party. This is
frequently used with corporations. Most corporations are very
thinly capitalized, and thus for obligations of any size,
savvy creditors demand that the owners guarantee the debt.
Under a law known as the Statute of Frauds, the promise to pay
the debt of another must be in WRITING TO be valid. DON'T
FORGET THIS!!
Therefore, we have a personal guarantee. This document
actually produces THREE different kinds of guarantees. The
first is an unconditional, blanket guarantee. This means that
the guarantor (person agreeing to make good another's
obligations) agrees that whatever debts and obligations are
due from the primary debt, in whatever amount will be their
responsibility. This is the most dangerous kind of guarantee
to sign for the guarantor, but the most favorable to the
creditor.
The second is a guarantee agreement for a specific obligation.
In other words, in this agreement the guarantor is agreeing to
pay whatever comes out of one specific deal.
The third is a guarantee that covers all obligations, but, is
limited to a total specified sum. Thus, the guarantor agrees
to pay a certain sum, if the balance is that or lower and the
primary debtor doesn't pay.
The following information is needed to complete the form; of
course, you must choose which one of the guarantees represents
your agreement.
The name of the party borrowing, guaranteeing and lending
The amount, or debt guaranteed (unless unconditional
this is an unconditional guarantee)
SECTION 3-42 SECURITY AGREEMENT
This form is called many different things by different folks.
Some refer to it as a "conditional sale" in which the
condition is you get to keep the property if you pay a debt
that you agreed to pay to acquire the property. Sometimes it
is called a "Chattel Mortgage"; in some cases it is known as
"Lease." All of these instruments are really security
agreements. In simple words a security agreement is a LIEN on
property.
LIMITATIONS: Security agreements are used for tangible assets,
contract rights and intangibles. They are NOT appropriate for
securities, cash or real estate. With securities a pledge and
physical possession of the securities is appropriate. With
cash, physical possession is required and with real estate
mortgages are required (trust deeds in some states.) SPECIAL
WARNING: Unless you have physical possession of the collateral
certain filings are required to perfect the lien. If you don't
file, your lien will be invalid against other creditors.
This selection on the menu prepares three different types of
security agreements. The first is a standard security
agreement in which a party puts up his property for a loan or
for a purchase. In this form, the debtor agrees to make good
any deficiency (that is if the property is repossessed and
does not bring enough in to pay off the debt, they're on the
hook for the difference.) There are some further variations:
whether the security is provided for a single debt or for all
debts (this latter set is called a cross collateralization
clause.)
In addition, this selection on the menu can produce a
hypothecation. (See on line dictionary for explanation).
The following information is required:
names of each party; a specific explanation of the property
secured, either general or specific-- thus you can have a lien
on a specific fork-lift, or on the accounts receivable of a
business;
if the security agreement secures a specific debt, the date of
the debt and the original principal amount;
if the security agreement is a hypothecation, then the person
for whom the debt is secured must be identified, together with
that debt-- the date of the debt and the original amount;
in all security agreements-- are there other liens on the
property? (first lien vs. junior lien) and if so, the amount
of the liens and the identify of the creditor;
will this security agreement secure all other debts between
the parties?
SECTION 3-57 OFFER TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE
This is a very complicated form. Anyone who has been in the
real estate business for any period of time will recommend
that all parties in real estate deals, whatever size, have
legal counsel. So do we.
The real estate offer form is used by a buyer (and real estate
agent) to make an offer to an owner. Here we go with the
needed information:
Seller's name, address; gross purchase price; legal
description of the property; expiration date of the offer.
Will the purchase price be paid: in cash, with terms;
If mortgages are to be assumed: the amounts and mortgage
holders;
If the seller is to grant a new mortgage as part of the
purchase
price: the principal amount, rate of interest and payment
terms;
If the buyer will need to obtain a new mortgage, the amounts,
the term of the mortgage in months, the maximum allowable rate
of interest on the new mortgage, the maximum number of points
to be paid by the buyer, the maximum application fee to be
paid by the buyer;
If there are buildings on the property;
The number of days between acceptance and closing (minimum and
maximum), number of days to provide title insurance by the
owner;
Closing costs to be paid by each party;
if the parties used a realtor, the name of the realtor.
This form conforms to practice in most of the east coast of
the United States.
REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE EXCLUSIVE LISTING
This form is for the EXCLUSIVE listing of real estate with a
brokerage.
Information required:
The name of the owner of the property; the broker; the legal
description of the property; the number of days of the
listing;
the minimum sales price; the financing that the owner will
provide; the amount of the commission; the right of the broker
to place a sign on the property
3-58 LIVING WILL FORMS:
Before preparing these forms, be sure to review that state's
Living Will Summary from the tutorials menu. If the state
isn't listed then review the "generic tutorial." NOTE: The
failure to list a state means that it does not as yet have a
living will law, and does not indicate an omission.
SECTION 4
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Section 4-1: SUPPORT
After registration of this program, you are entitled to
support through a private bulletin board and voice. We also
are on CompuServe, EXEC PC and GENIE and visit regularly.
Section 4-2 Philosophy
We try to place customer service first! Let us prove it
to you! Many forms, tutorials, etc. were suggested by
our users! Let's hear from you!
PLEASE NOTE: Our technical staff will help you with questions
about how to use the program.
They will not and cannot answer legal questions. UNDER THE LAW
ONLY ATTORNEYS CAN GIVE LEGAL ADVICE, and we cannot give out
specific legal help. To find an attorney, call your local bar
association and find out if they have a bar referral service.
SECTION 4-4 WORDS ABOUT SHAREWARE
This program is shareware. IT IS NOT FREE SOFTWARE. The Home
Legal Guide has been authored by a group which has over 20
programs sold commercially. Our best seller in the commercial
field, THE PC ATTORNEY (which is similar to this program, but
just generates documents) is selling multiple thousands per
week. It's in every major computer chain, and is featured in
several computer software store's Christmas catalogs. We
started as a commercial only company, and then went to
shareware as an additional marketing technique. Basically,
shareware is commercial software marketed on trust. Just like
there is good and bad commercial software, there is good and
bad shareware. At least with shareware, you get a full test
drive before you spend. Any fee you paid to a disk vendor was
for the disks, and the catalog, support etc.
Unlike many companies who have withdrawn from shareware when
they got successful, I (Herb Kraft, Chief Developer) made a
public statement that we were staying in shareware despite
huge success in the commercial field. We will keep this
promise. This program is uncrippled, and on par with our best
"commercial" output!
SECTION 4-4
If you register the fee is $ 59.00 US Dollars. There is no
shipping or handling charge within the US. Outside the U.S.
please add $ 6.00. Registrations may be mailed to:
R FRINGE SOFTWARE
c/o Byron
P.O. Box 796
Casselberry, Florida 32707
When you register:
we will provide a free subscription to a private BBS system;
we will provide reasonable support via phone (no charge other
than the call); we will provide updates and free upgrades--
the upgrades and updates are posted on the BBS when done WE
MAIL out to those without modems on a semi-annual basis;
additional years are $ 20.00.
Registered users receive the program and a special key that
removes the registration reminder screens and "brands" your
name on screen.
The complete manual is on disk. We are no longer providing
printed manuals. Why? We are updating the program so often
that all previous manuals have gone outdated so fast we were
chopping down trees unnecessarily. In talking to shareware
users we find that most review manuals like this in their word
processor, and then print out just the parts they need. That
saves paper!!!!!!!!
After a reasonable trial, registration is mandatory. We do not
state a specific number of days or use other arbitrary
measures. However, if you are preparing forms for your own use
and keeping them, then you really are using the program and
should register.
SECTION 5
WHO WE ARE
The staff that prepared this program consist of:
Herbert Kraft (Herb), Attorney at law admitted to practice in
Florida; Developer and author of legal material, comments and
documents, Chief Developer (It's all my fault-- honest)
David Byron, Co-Developer;
Warren Clary, P.E., Software engineer and co-developer, Warren
is the author of the computer program itself (and did a
tremendous job!)
Wyatt Cox; who assists with research and support;
Amy Seeberger; research and support.
SECTION 6
LEGALESE
Section 7-1 LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
***EXCEPT FOR THE CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY THERE ARE NO
WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND THE SELLERS AND
MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
THE SOLE REMEDY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REFUND OF PURCHASE
PRICE. THE FORMS HEREIN ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE USED UNLESS THE
SAME ARE REVIEWED BY AN ADVISOR OR ATTORNEY, AND THE SELLERS
AND MANUFACTURERS OF THIS PROGRAM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE OF A FORM TO ACCOMPLISH THE
GOALS OF THE USER.***
TRADEMARKS
IBM PC, PS/2, AT, XT, and PC-DOS are trademarks of IBM.
MS-DOS and OS/2 are a trademark of Microsoft. DR-DOS is a
trademark of Digital Research. UNIX is a trademark of Bell
Labs. R FRINGE is a trademark of R FRINGE SOFTWARE, INC., THE
PC LAW OFFICE is a trademark of EFP LEGAL MARKETING, INC.,
d/b/a R FRINGE COMPUTER SOFTWARE.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
"Mouse.com" is copyright 1983,1984 by Microsoft, and is used
under license. PKLITE is used under license from PKWARE, Inc.
LHARC is Copyright 1990, Yoshi, and is used with permission.
SECTION 7
INDEX
The index refers to section numbers, not page numbers.
Section Topic
1-1 System Requirements
2-1 Reference to Quickstart manual
2-2 Detailed operating instructions begin
2-3 Start up and mainmenu- keyboard users
2-4 Start up- mouse users
2-5 Selecting menu options
2-6 DOS SHELL
2-7 STATUTES MENU
2-8 Browsing through statutes
2-9 Note pad (on line)
2-10 On line definitions
2-11 Exiting statutes
2-12 TUTORIALS MENU
2-13 Selecting a tutorial
2-14 Taking notes (cross references to 2-9)
2-15 Opening a second menu
2-16 On line definitions
2-17 Exiting tutorials
2-18 DRAFTING DOCUMENTS (USING THE DOCUMENT GENERATOR)
2-19 Building documents, types of screens
2-20 Fill in the blank screens
2-21 Multiple choice screens
2-22 Finishing documents- naming documents
2-23 Printing documents
2-24 REVIEWING DOCUMENTS
2-25 Editing documents
3-1 INFORMATION REQUIRED TO CREATE DOCUMENTS
3-2 General Forms
3-3 Advertising purchase order
3-4 Assignment of promissory note
3-5 Bailment
3-6 Bankruptcy proof of claim
3-7 Bill of sale
3-8 Collection agency agreement
3-9 Commercial equipment lease
3-10 Consignment sales agreement
3-11 Corporate resolution to open bank account
3-12 Corporation Meeting Minutes
3-13 Corporate Meeting Minutes-- Changing officers
3-14 Corporation Meeting-- Waiver of Notice
3-15 Corporate Shares-- Proxy to Vote Shares
3-16 Credit Application
3-17 Designation of guardian for minor children
3-18 Employment agreement-- Technical/Managerial Employee
3-19 Employment- Lending of employee
3-20 Employment application-- Release of Information
3-21 Factoring Agreement
3-22 General Partnership Agreement (Simple, under $ 30,000)
3-23 Guarantee agreements
3-24 Hunting/Fishing/Sportsman's License
3-25 Independent Contractor's Agreement
3-26 Insurance Claim Forms
3-27 Insurance Subrogation Agreement
3-28 Internal Revenue Service- Power of attorney
3-29 Lottery pool
3-30 Mutual release
3-31 Non disclosure agreements
3-32 Non-marriage, "living together agreement"
3-33 Patent assignment
3-34 Permission for child to go on group trip
3-35 Premarital agreement
3-36 Pledge of life insurance for debt
3-37 Purchase order
3-38 Retail store, rental of department
3-39 Retainer with accountant
3-40 Revocation of acceptance
3-41 Right of Rescission Notice
3-42 Security Agreement
3-43 Shareholder's Agreement
3-44 Statement of account request
3-45 Stock Option- Non-tax shelter
3-46 Stock pledge agreement
3-47 Stock purchase agreement
3-48 Stock Subscription Agreement
3-49 Transfer and Receipt- Uniform Gift's to Minor's Act
3-50 Unilateral Release of all claims
3-51 Unsecured Note
3-52 Unsecured Note, Payment limited to profits
3-53 Unsecured note, interest rate dependent on amount
3-54 Vending machine agreement
3-55 Bulk Sale Forms
3-56 Power of attorney forms
3-57 Real estate forms
3-58 Limited partnership forms
3-59 Deed forms
3-60 Living Will Forms
4-1 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
4-2 Company philosophy on service
4-3 Updates, private BBS
5-1 About our staff
6-1 Warranty disclaimer and legalese
7-1 Index
