Legal Documents
Why Documents Matter
Legal documents create binding agreements, protect your assets, and ensure your wishes are carried out.
Adoption Agreement
Legal transfer of parental rights.
What is a Adoption Agreement?
A legal document that facilitates the transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from biological parents to adoptive parents.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Affidavit
A written statement confirmed by oath.
What is a Affidavit?
A written statement of fact voluntarily made by an affiant or deponent under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law (such as a notary public).
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Affidavit of Heirship
Identifies heirs to property when there is no will.
What is a Affidavit of Heirship?
A document used to establish ownership of personal or real property when a person dies without a will (intestate). It is often used to avoid probate for small estates.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Affidavit of Support (I-864)
Sponsor's promise to financially support an immigrant.
What is a Affidavit of Support (I-864)?
A legally enforceable contract in which a sponsor agrees to use their financial resources to support an immigrant applying for a green card.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Answer to Complaint
Response to a lawsuit by the defendant.
What is a Answer to Complaint?
The defendant's formal response to a complaint, admitting or denying the allegations and raising any defenses.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Articles of Incorporation
Document filed to legally form a corporation.
What is a Articles of Incorporation?
The primary rules governing the management of a corporation in the United States and Canada, filed with a state or other regulatory agency.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Beneficiary Designation Form
Names who receives assets from accounts upon death.
What is a Beneficiary Designation Form?
A form used to designate who will receive assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon the owner's death. These designations typically override a will.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Bill of Sale
Documents the transfer of ownership of personal property.
What is a Bill of Sale?
A legal document made by a seller to a purchaser, reporting that on a specific date, the seller sold to the purchaser a specific item of personal property.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Business Plan
Strategic document outlining business goals.
What is a Business Plan?
A written document that describes in detail how a business—usually a new one—is going to achieve its goals. A business plan lays out a written roadmap for the firm from marketing, financial, and operational standpoints.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Caregiver Agreement
Contract for personal care services.
What is a Caregiver Agreement?
A formal contract stating what care is to be provided and how much the caregiver will be compensated. It is often used between family members to qualify for Medicaid.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Cease and Desist (Debt Collector)
Stops debt collectors from contacting you.
What is a Cease and Desist (Debt Collector)?
A letter sent to a debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) demanding they stop contacting the debtor.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Cease and Desist Letter
Demands a party stop an illegal activity.
What is a Cease and Desist Letter?
A document sent to an individual or business to stop allegedly illegal activity ("cease") and not to restart it ("desist").
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Child Custody Agreement
Outlines parenting time and decision making.
What is a Child Custody Agreement?
A document describing how parents will share the rights and responsibilities of raising their children, including physical custody schedules and legal decision-making authority.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Child Support Agreement
Contract detailing financial support for a child.
What is a Child Support Agreement?
A document between parents that specifies the amount, frequency, and method of child support payments. It is often submitted to a judge for approval to become an enforceable court order.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Codicil to Will
An amendment used to change an existing will.
What is a Codicil to Will?
A legal document that acts as a supplement to an existing will. It is used to make minor changes, such as adding a beneficiary or changing an executor, without having to rewrite the entire will.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Commercial Lease Agreement
Contract for renting business property.
What is a Commercial Lease Agreement?
A lease agreement used for renting property for business purposes (office, retail, industrial). These are often more complex than residential leases and may involve "Triple Net" terms.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Complaint (Civil Lawsuit)
Document that initiates a civil lawsuit.
What is a Complaint (Civil Lawsuit)?
The first document filed in a civil lawsuit that states the plaintiff's claims against the defendant and the relief being sought.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Consulting Agreement
Contract for consulting services.
What is a Consulting Agreement?
A formal agreement between a consultant and a client that defines the scope of consulting work, deliverables, fees, and intellectual property rights.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Copyright Assignment
Transfer of ownership of a copyright.
What is a Copyright Assignment?
A document that transfers the ownership of a copyright from the original owner to another party. This is different from a license, which just grants permission to use.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Corporate Bylaws
Rules for the internal management of a corporation.
What is a Corporate Bylaws?
Detailed rules established by the board of directors during the formation of a corporation to guide its operations.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Credit Report Dispute Letter
Challenges errors on a credit report.
What is a Credit Report Dispute Letter?
A letter sent to credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) identifying inaccurate information on a credit report and requesting its removal.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Debt Settlement Agreement
Agreement to pay a reduced amount to settle a debt.
What is a Debt Settlement Agreement?
A contract between a creditor and debtor to resolve a debt for an amount less than what is originally owed. Once paid, the debt is considered satisfied.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Demand Letter
Formal request for payment or action before lawsuit.
What is a Demand Letter?
A letter demanding payment of a debt or other action, often sent as a prerequisite before filing a lawsuit. It can help resolve disputes without court involvement.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Divorce Settlement Agreement
Finalizes the terms of a divorce.
What is a Divorce Settlement Agreement?
A written document that outlines the terms of the divorce settlement between two spouses, including property division, custody, and support. It is submitted to the court.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order
Medical order to withhold CPR.
What is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order?
A medical order written by a doctor that instructs health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's breathing stops or if the patient's heart stops beating.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application
Application for work permit.
What is a Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application?
An application to obtain permission to work in the United States for those who are not permanent residents or citizens.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Employment Contract
Formal agreement between employer and employee.
What is a Employment Contract?
A detailed contract between an employer and employee that outlines all terms of employment including duties, compensation, benefits, termination conditions, and restrictive covenants.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Employment Offer Letter
Formal job offer to a candidate.
What is a Employment Offer Letter?
A document sent to a candidate offering them a job, outlining the key terms of employment such as salary, start date, and benefits.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Eviction Notice (Notice to Quit)
Formal notice to a tenant to vacate or fix a violation.
What is a Eviction Notice (Notice to Quit)?
A legal document a landlord sends to a tenant to inform them of a lease violation (like non-payment) and the timeline to fix it or leave. This is the mandatory first step before filing an eviction lawsuit.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
Request for government records.
What is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request?
A written request to a federal agency asking for copies of records. Under the FOIA, federal agencies must disclose any information requested unless it falls under one of nine exemptions.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Gift Deed
Transfers property as a gift without payment.
What is a Gift Deed?
A legal document used to transfer real or personal property from one person to another as a gift, without any exchange of money or other consideration.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Guardianship Petition
Request for legal guardianship of a minor or adult.
What is a Guardianship Petition?
A court filing to establish legal guardianship over a minor child or an incapacitated adult, giving the guardian authority to make decisions on behalf of the ward.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
HIPAA Authorization
Allows sharing of medical info.
What is a HIPAA Authorization?
A document that allows healthcare providers to share your protected health information with specified individuals (like family members) who would otherwise be barred from receiving it by privacy laws.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Hold Harmless Agreement
Protects a party from liability for damages.
What is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
A clause or agreement where one party agrees not to hold the other party responsible for any loss, damage, or legal liability that may arise during the course of a transaction or activity.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Identity Theft Affidavit
Reports identity theft to creditors/agencies.
What is a Identity Theft Affidavit?
A document used to report identity theft to businesses and credit bureaus. It serves as a sworn statement that you did not create the fraudulent accounts.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Independent Contractor Agreement
Contract between a client and a freelance worker.
What is a Independent Contractor Agreement?
A written contract that spells out the terms of the working arrangement between a contractor and client, including services, pay, and timeline. It clarifies that the worker is not an employee for tax purposes.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Invoice
Request for payment for goods/services.
What is a Invoice?
A time-stamped commercial document that itemizes and records a transaction between a buyer and a seller.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Irrevocable Trust
A trust that cannot be modified after creation.
What is a Irrevocable Trust?
A trust that cannot be altered, amended, or terminated without the permission of the beneficiary. It removes assets from the grantor's taxable estate and provides asset protection.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Land Contract
Seller-financed property purchase.
What is a Land Contract?
A real estate transaction where the buyer makes payments directly to the seller over time, rather than getting a mortgage from a bank. The seller retains title until paid in full.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Last Will and Testament
Communicates final wishes for assets and dependents.
What is a Last Will and Testament?
A will is a foundational legal document that sets forth your wishes regarding the distribution of your property (your "estate") and the care of any minor children. It appoints an executor to manage the estate process and ensures your assets go to the people or charities you choose, rather than being distributed by state default laws.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Lease Termination Letter
Formal notice to end a lease agreement.
What is a Lease Termination Letter?
A written notice from either a landlord or tenant indicating the intention to end a lease agreement. It specifies the termination date and any required move-out procedures.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Letter of Intent (LOI)
Preliminary commitment to do business.
What is a Letter of Intent (LOI)?
A document declaring the preliminary commitment of one party to do business with another. It outlines the chief terms of a prospective deal.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Letter of Resignation
Formal notice of leaving a job.
What is a Letter of Resignation?
A written announcement of an employee's intent to leave a position. It sets the last day of employment and helps maintain professional relationships.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Licensing Agreement
Grants permission to use intellectual property.
What is a Licensing Agreement?
A contract that allows one party to use another party's intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyrights) under specific conditions without transferring ownership.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Living Will (Advance Directive)
Specifies your end-of-life medical care preferences.
What is a Living Will (Advance Directive)?
A living will is a legal document that allows you to state your wishes for end-of-life medical care in case you become unable to communicate your decisions. It has no power after death.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
LLC Operating Agreement
Outlines ownership and operating procedures for an LLC.
What is a LLC Operating Agreement?
A key document used by LLCs to outline the business's financial and functional decisions including rules, regulations, and provisions. It helps protect the limited liability status of the business.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Loan Agreement
Detailed contract for borrowing money.
What is a Loan Agreement?
A formal contract between a borrower and a lender regulating the mutual promises made by each party. It is more detailed than a promissory note.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Mechanics Lien
Secures payment for labor or materials on a property.
What is a Mechanics Lien?
A legal claim against a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has not been paid for work performed or materials supplied. It clouds the title, making it difficult to sell or refinance.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Medical Power of Attorney
Appoints an agent to make healthcare decisions if you are unable to.
What is a Medical Power of Attorney?
Also known as a Healthcare Proxy, this designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated. It is often created alongside a Living Will.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Medical Records Request
Request for copies of medical records.
What is a Medical Records Request?
A formal request to a healthcare provider for copies of your medical records. Under HIPAA, patients have the right to access their health information.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Meeting Minutes
Official record of a corporate meeting.
What is a Meeting Minutes?
The written record of an official meeting of the shareholders or board of directors of a corporation. They serve as an official legal record.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Model Release Form
Permission to use a person's image commercially.
What is a Model Release Form?
A contract in which the subject of a photograph grants permission to publish the photograph. It protects the photographer from liability for right of privacy or publicity claims.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Motion to Dismiss
Request to have a case thrown out.
What is a Motion to Dismiss?
A formal request to the court asking that a case be dismissed before trial, usually because the complaint fails to state a valid legal claim.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Name Change Petition
Legal request to change a person's name.
What is a Name Change Petition?
A document filed with the court to legally change an individual's name outside of marriage or divorce proceedings.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Naturalization Application (N-400)
Application to become a US citizen.
What is a Naturalization Application (N-400)?
The application form used by permanent residents to apply for US citizenship through naturalization.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Non-Compete Agreement
Prevents employee from working for competitors.
What is a Non-Compete Agreement?
A contract where an employee agrees not to enter into competition with an employer after the employment period is over. Note: Enforceability varies significantly by state.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
A contract to keep confidential information secret.
What is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
A contract where parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement. It creates a confidential relationship between the parties to protect any type of confidential and proprietary information or trade secrets.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Partnership Agreement
Contract between two or more business partners.
What is a Partnership Agreement?
A legal document that outlines the business relationship between partners, including responsibilities, profit sharing, and what happens if a partner leaves.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Patent Assignment
Transfer of ownership of a patent.
What is a Patent Assignment?
A legal document where a patent owner transfers their rights to the patent to another party.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Personal Financial Statement
Summary of assets and liabilities.
What is a Personal Financial Statement?
A document outlining an individual's financial position at a given point in time, listing assets, liabilities, and net worth.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Personal Guarantee
Individual promises to repay business debt.
What is a Personal Guarantee?
A promise by an individual to be personally responsible for a business debt if the business cannot pay. Often required for small business loans.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Pet Custody Agreement
Determines ownership/care of pets after breakup.
What is a Pet Custody Agreement?
A contract between two individuals determining the ownership, care schedule, and financial responsibility for a pet after a relationship ends.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Postnuptial Agreement
Contract entered into after marriage regarding assets.
What is a Postnuptial Agreement?
Similar to a prenup, but executed after the couple is already married. It settles financial matters in the event of a future divorce or death.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Power of Attorney (Financial)
Appoints someone to make financial decisions for you.
What is a Power of Attorney (Financial)?
A legal document giving one person (the agent) the power to act for another person (the principal) regarding financial matters. A "durable" POA remains in effect if you become incapacitated.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Prenuptial Agreement
Contract entered into prior to marriage regarding assets.
What is a Prenuptial Agreement?
A contract entered into prior to marriage, civil union, or any agreement prior to the main agreement by the people intending to marry or contract with each other. It commonly includes provisions for division of property and spousal support in the event of divorce.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Privacy Policy
Discloses how a site collects user data.
What is a Privacy Policy?
A statement that discloses some or all of the ways a party gathers, uses, discloses, and manages a customer or client's data.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Promissory Note
A written promise to pay a debt.
What is a Promissory Note?
A financial instrument that contains a written promise by one party to pay another party a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Property Management Agreement
Contract between property owner and management company.
What is a Property Management Agreement?
An agreement authorizing a property management company to manage rental property on behalf of the owner, including collecting rent, handling maintenance, and finding tenants.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Purchase Order
Buyer-generated document authorizing a purchase.
What is a Purchase Order?
A commercial document issued by a buyer to a seller indicating types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Quitclaim Deed
Transfers property interest without warranty of title.
What is a Quitclaim Deed?
A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor has in a property to a grantee, without making any guarantees about the title's validity. It is the quickest way to transfer property but offers the least protection to the buyer.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Real Estate Purchase Agreement
Contract for the sale of residential property.
What is a Real Estate Purchase Agreement?
A binding contract between a buyer and seller outlining the details of a home sale transaction.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Release of Liability (Waiver)
Agreement not to sue for injuries.
What is a Release of Liability (Waiver)?
A legal document between two parties — the Releasor and the Releasee — where the Releasor promises not to sue the Releasee for past or future injuries or damages.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Rent-to-Own Agreement
Lease with an option to purchase the property.
What is a Rent-to-Own Agreement?
An agreement where a tenant rents a property for a set time with the option to buy it before the lease expires. A portion of the rent often goes toward the down payment.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Residential Lease Agreement
A contract between a landlord and tenant for renting a home.
What is a Residential Lease Agreement?
A legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of a rental property. It protects both parties by clearly defining responsibilities.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Revocable Living Trust
Holds assets during your lifetime and distributes them after death, avoiding probate.
What is a Revocable Living Trust?
A trust created during your lifetime that allows you to control your assets while you are alive and distribute them directly to beneficiaries upon death, bypassing probate court. Unlike a will, it provides privacy and can manage assets if you become incapacitated.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Roommate Agreement
Contract between people sharing living space.
What is a Roommate Agreement?
An agreement between roommates that outlines the rules for living together, including rent division, chores, guests, and how to handle disputes.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Security Agreement
Pledges collateral for a loan.
What is a Security Agreement?
A document that grants a lender a security interest in specified collateral (property or assets) to secure repayment of a loan.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Separation Agreement
Outlines terms for spouses living apart before divorce.
What is a Separation Agreement?
A contract between spouses who have decided to live apart but are not yet divorced. It handles issues like child custody, support, and bills while separated.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Service Agreement
Contract for providing services to a client.
What is a Service Agreement?
A contract between a service provider and a client that outlines the services to be performed, payment terms, and other conditions of the business relationship.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Settlement Agreement
Agreement to resolve a legal dispute.
What is a Settlement Agreement?
A contract between parties involved in a legal dispute that resolves the matter, typically involving payment and a release of claims.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Shareholder Agreement
Agreement among a company's shareholders.
What is a Shareholder Agreement?
An arrangement among a company's shareholders that describes how the company should be operated and outlines shareholders' rights and obligations.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Small Claims Court Form
Form to file a case in small claims court.
What is a Small Claims Court Form?
The official form used to initiate a case in small claims court, which handles disputes involving relatively small amounts of money without attorneys.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Small Estate Affidavit
Simplified process to transfer assets of a small estate.
What is a Small Estate Affidavit?
A sworn written statement used to settle the estate of someone who has died when the value of the estate falls below a certain statutory limit (which varies by state). It bypasses full probate court proceedings.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Software License Agreement (EULA)
Terms for using software.
What is a Software License Agreement (EULA)?
A contract between a software creator and a user, outlining how the software can be used (End User License Agreement).
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Sublease Agreement
Allows a tenant to rent their unit to another person.
What is a Sublease Agreement?
A contract where the original tenant rents out the property (or part of it) to a new tenant (subtenant) for a portion of the lease term. The original tenant remains responsible to the landlord.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Subpoena
Court order to appear or produce documents.
What is a Subpoena?
A legal document ordering a person to appear in court to testify or to produce documents or other evidence.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Trademark Assignment
Transfer of ownership of a trademark.
What is a Trademark Assignment?
A document used to transfer the ownership of a trademark from one party (assignor) to another (assignee).
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Vehicle Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to handle vehicle transactions.
What is a Vehicle Power of Attorney?
A document that authorizes another person to act on your behalf for vehicle-related transactions like registration, title transfer, or sale.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Vehicle Title Transfer
Transfers ownership of a vehicle.
What is a Vehicle Title Transfer?
The process of transferring the legal ownership of a vehicle from one person to another, documented on the vehicle title.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Warranty Deed
Transfers property with a guarantee of clear title.
What is a Warranty Deed?
A deed where the seller guarantees that they hold clear title to a piece of real estate and have the right to sell it to the buyer. It offers the strongest protection for a buyer.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Website Terms of Use
Rules for visitors to a website.
What is a Website Terms of Use?
An agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions for using a website, protecting the site owner from liability.
Key Components
When You Might Need It:
Official Resources & Templates
Work for Hire Agreement
Assigns IP rights to the hiring party.
What is a Work for Hire Agreement?
A contract that specifies that any work created by a contractor or employee belongs to the hiring party, not the creator. This is essential for protecting company IP.