Why Legalese?

Many people think lawyers use legalese to confuse the public and make their

services necessary. While I support using plain language, legalese has its purpose. Certain phrases have specific meanings established by courts. I aim to use precise and accurate language when representing you to ensure my words are not misinterpreted legally. For example, the phrase "share and share alike" in a will might be intended to mean your children should split your assets equally, but it might not always be understood that way. Therefore, "share equally" is often preferred.

What did that lawyer say??

Lawyers sometimes use "boilerplate" language—phrases inserted into documents because of their established legal significance. Though this may seem complex and wordy to most people, it is there for your protection. So how should you handle legalese? ASK. Request a plain English explanation. If your lawyer cannot provide one, you might need to find another lawyer.