The term legal forms can mean two things: the first refers to actual forms filed with courts, which are usually drafted by attorneys without edits. We use these types of forms to deduce the information needed when submitting the same kind of document to the same court, and to deduce the court rules for that specific type of document. The second refers to "template" or "model" forms that often offer suggested terminology and other essential details for standard legal documents, and are often edited and published in a secondary source.
Using these forms can be infinitely useful, saving you time and money that would otherwise be used drafting these forms from scratch. It also ensures that you are drafting your documents properly, including all the necessary content, and following proper structure and formatting guidelines.
Form books are often aimed at practicing attorneys and judges in attempt to standardize the information changing hands. These books serve to provide model forms with additional commentary, and usually come in large multi-volume sets.
Often these books are organized by certain parameters like general use, subject, jurisdiction, or procedural type. They usually also include annotations, checklists, and even citations to primary law related to the form topic, all to help researchers ensure the information is accurate and complete.
Though form books are somewhat costly at first, many law firms purchase subject or jurisdiction-specific form books for their own libraries as they're generally less costly to maintain than database subscriptions.
Whether the form book addresses substantive matters (like contracts, wills, deeds, leases, bylaws, etc), or address the language used in pleadings and motions filed during the litigation process, forms can be useful tools for accuracy in your advocacy.
Popular Federal Form Books
Popular Texas Form Books