When Legal Document Templates Can Come in Handy

Key Takeaways

• Legal document templates are pre-drafted forms created by lawyers that you can customize for simple, uncontested situations.

• Legal templates are best used when there’s no conflict, terms are clear, and the arrangement is straightforward or low-risk.

• Common examples include Separation Agreements, Travel Consent Letters, Bills of Sale, Affidavits, and Powers of Attorney.

• While templates are convenient, complex or high-stakes matters still require a lawyer’s guidance.

• Explore NotaryPro’s library of 80+ free, lawyer-vetted legal templates and start drafting your document today.

When the discussion about legal document templates arises, most people think of meeting with lawyers and high price tags. In reality, not every situation requires a trip to your nearest law firm, and legal document templates can offer a suitable alternative. For simple, uncontested matters, legal document templates offer a convenient legal services solution that saves time, money, and stress.

In this blog, we’ll explore how legal document templates work, when to use them, and how to use them effectively.

What Are Legal Document Templates?

Legal document templates are pre-drafted documents that you can customize for common legal situations. They’re created by lawyers to ensure the language is legally sound, but flexible enough for individuals to edit with their specific details.

Legal document templates contain customizable, fillable fields, where you can enter your information. They also typically include simple instructions, so you understand the scope of information to provide.

The primary purpose of legal templates is to save time and reduce costs. Instead of paying a lawyer for document drafting, you can use a legal template that contains all essential legal details and clauses. You simply need to fill in the blanks to reflect your particular situation.

When to Use a Legal Document Template

Legal templates are a smart option for straightforward circumstances and uncontested matters. More specifically, they come in handy in the following situations:

• There’s No Conflict: For example, if everyone already agrees on the terms of an Agreement, you may use a legal template to finalize it without a lawyer.

• Everyone Understands the Terms: If both sides clearly understand what’s expected, you may use a legal template to put it in writing.

• Simple, Low-Stakes Situations: If the potential risk is small or the financial value is minimal, a template can make more sense than seeing a lawyer.

• The Arrangement Is Short-Term: One-time or temporary arrangements, like seasonal jobs or short projects, can typically be handled with a simple legal template.

• You Only Need a Starting Point: If you only need to outline the basics before consulting a lawyer, templates can serve as first drafts for agreements or handbooks.

• Local Laws Are Clear and Uniform: If the document type is regulated consistently across jurisdictions, legal templates are generally reliable to use.

• You’re Using a Widely Standardized Document: Common agreements like NDAs, bills of sale, or rental contracts are standardized, making templates a practical and reliable option.

Commonly Used Legal Document Templates

Legal document templates are especially helpful for everyday circumstances where requirements are clear and there’s no dispute. Some examples of commonly used legal document templates are listed below.

• Separation Agreement: When everyone agrees on the terms of a separation, a template offers a structured way to document them without costly drafting expenses.

• Travel Consent Letter: If both parents consent to a child’s trip, a template ensures all the necessary information is included to satisfy border officials.

• Power of Attorney: This template grants someone decision-making authority while ensuring key legal elements are covered.

• Cohabitation Agreement: If partners live together, a template outlines responsibilities and rights without needing extensive custom legal work.

• Bill of Sale (Vehicle): When selling a vehicle, this template records buyer, seller, and transaction details to protect both parties.

• Letter of Invitation: If you’re writing this letter in support a loved one’s visitor visa application, a template guides you in providing the correct information.

• Affidavits: In simple cases, this template ensures that you meet the formal requirements of a sworn statement in the form of an Affidavit.

• Statutory Declarations: This template provides the legally accepted wording and structure that recipient organizations require.

Do you need another legal document template? Browse our library of 80+ free, lawyer-vetted templates and create a customized legal document that suits your needs today.

Benefits of Using Legal Document Templates

Hiring a lawyer isn’t always necessary. In many straightforward cases, legal document templates offer an easier, faster, and more affordable alternative. See some benefits of using legal document templates below:

Legal Document Templates Offer Cost Savings

Lawyer fees for drafting legal documents often range from $300 to over $1,200. By comparison, legal templates cost less or are free (like ours), delivering immediate savings. 

Legal Document Templates Save Time

Having a lawyer draft your documents from scratch can take weeks, and often requires in-person notary services appointments. You can draft legal documents in 10 minutes with legal templates, then meet with a notary online in 7 minutes, from anywhere.

Legal Document Templates Provide Structure

Legal document templates are designed with the right clauses, signature blocks, spacing, and signature sections already included. You don’t have to worry about missing essential elements. Having a clear format reduces stress while ensuring your document looks professional and meets all requirements.

Legal Document Templates Reduce Mistakes

Small errors in wording or formatting can render legal documents unenforceable or lead institutions to reject them. Templates minimize that risk by providing lawyer-approved phrasing and layout. By filling in only the variable details, you avoid misinterpretations or gaps that could cause rejection.

Legal Document Templates Simplify Document Drafting

Using legal templates simplifies document drafting by guiding you through every step with fillable sections and clear instructions. Instead of worrying about language or legal phrasing, you can focus on providing accurate information.

Legal Document Templates Are Accessible 

Our library of over 80+ legal templates is free, online, and instantly available — no software downloads or account creation is required. Simply open the template you need, fill it out, and instantly receive the finished document in your email. This saves you the commute, which can be especially helpful if you don’t live close to a lawyer.

To learn more about the benefits of drafting documents yourself, check out our guide, Can I draft legal documents without a lawyer?

When Should You See a Lawyer to Draft Documents?

While legal templates are great for simple matters, some situations are too complex for a DIY approach.

You should seek legal advice when disputes are likely, financial stakes are high, or responsibilities are unclear. Examples include contested divorces, Wills where relatives may fight over assets, or business contracts involving significant liabilities.

How to Use NotaryPro’s Legal Document Templates

Legal document templates make drafting legal documents easier, but they still require attention to detail. By following a few best practices, you can ensure that your documents are valid and reliable.

Choose Reputable Sources for Your Legal Templates

Always use templates from trustworthy providers, such as government websites or our template library. All of our templates are vetted by legal professionals and routinely updated. Reliable sources ensure each template is legally sound and trustworthy.

Fill Out Your Legal Template Carefully

Drafting documents requires you to provide accurate, truthful information. Enter names, dates, and details correctly, then review everything twice. Even small mistakes can invalidate your document, especially in immigration, estate, or contractual matters.

Ensure Your Template Follows Local Standards

Laws vary by jurisdiction, and requirements can sometimes change. Ensure that your legal document template complies with your province’s standards and relevant legislation.

Consider Notary Services Needs

To add legal validity, many documents require commissioning; you can complete this step by meeting with a notary public online. Commissioning requires you to swear or affirm that your document’s contents are truthful before an authorized official, such as a notary. 

The official verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and stamps the document to confirm it has been commissioned. This process ensures authenticity and is often required for institutions to accept your paperwork. To learn more about the commissioning process, check out our guide on preparing for an online notary appointment. 

Use Our Free Legal Document Templates Today

Legal templates are a practical, affordable option for straightforward situations. By carefully selecting templates, completing them accurately, and commissioning them as required, you can handle document drafting without steep legal fees.

Are you ready to start drafting legal documents? Explore our library of 80+ free, lawyer-vetted templates and find the document you need for your specific situation. 

Once done, book an online notary appointment to have your documents commissioned in 7 minutes from anywhere, making them legally valid.