Create Document
New documents can be created in ContactsLaw from templates. This process is also known as document production.
Process
Document production begins by selecting a template. It is assumed that the template has already been configured, however you may configure it as this point. The template determines some aspects of the remaining process, such as whether to upload the resulting document. You can override these decisions for each document.
If the resulting document is to be uploaded, you must specify its destination, which can be a matter, contact or workgroup. Cataloguing information must then be provided, which determines the parties and fields as well as the description of the document. You may wish to provide this information even if the document isn't uploaded, as it may form the basis for the assets used in the template.
You can review how the assets in the template will be populated for the proposed document and make any necessary changes. You can also add attachments to the document.
The resulting document is then generated and, if desired, uploaded to the nominated destination. You will be alerted to any issues with generating the document, such as requirements not being met.
Attachments
Attachments may come from several different sources:
- Existing documents can be added as attachments.
- You can upload additional attachments from local or network drives, as well as other applications such as Microsoft Outlook.
- They may be defined by the template, in which case they cannot be altered or removed.
User-added attachments can be transformed (e.g. compressed to a ZIP file) prior to generating the document. You can also specify a file format (e.g. PDF) for on-the-fly conversion.
After Creation
Generally, documents open for editing after they have been generated and uploaded. In addition to the functionality offered by the document's associated application (e.g. Microsoft Word), you can also add clauses.