Socrates iPhone App
- For FAQs about iPhone App Support - click here
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the system requirements for Socrates software?
- How do I find out if there are any special circumstances or laws that might apply in my state?
- Can I really represent myself in court using Adams and Socrates Legal materials without hiring a lawyer?
- Why doesn't the website for my state's laws that is provided in the Appendix of the Adams or Socrates Legal Forms (CD or kit version) seem to work?
- My legal situation is quite complicated and seems beyond the scope of the information provided in the Adams or Socrates Legal product. What should I do?
- How do I know if the legal information in my Adams or Socrates Legal product is up-to-date?
- There is no registration code in my product. How do I register the product to obtain updates?
- I have a specific legal question about using one of the forms. Can I contact Technical Support about legal questions?
- Can I loan my Adams or Socrates Legal product to a friend?
- Why are there both text files and PDF files on some of the Adams and Socrates Legal Forms CDs?
- How do I install the forms from my Adams or Socrates Legal Kit CD onto my computer?
- What is the Socrates Media Product Browser?
- Where is my program installed?
- Why does my product not show up under registered products in the Product Browser?
- How do I fill in the PDF forms on my computer?
- Why can't I save my filled-in PDF form from my Adams or Socrates Legal Forms (CD version)?
- How do I access the text files that have been installed on my computer's hard-drive?
- How do I complete the text forms on my computer?
- The text files from the CD look different than the samples provided in the instruction book. Is something wrong?
- Can I use the Adams Legal Forms (CD version) with my MAC computer?
- What type of technical support is available for Legal forms?
- I have a specific legal question about using one of the forms. Can I contact Technical Support about legal questions?
- How do I contact Technical Support?
- Why does the Socrates web site have Adams products?
- Can you give me legal advice?
- How do I download my form?
- Where did my download get saved on my computer?
- How do I unzip my download?
- Why won't the form open?
- What is the .NET Framework?
- How do I register my product?
Q: What are the system requirements for Socrates software?
A: Generally, the following requirements are necessary to run our software:
- CD-ROM Drive
- Windows 2000 or higher
- Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher
- Internet connection and Web browser
- Microsoft Word 2000 or higher
- Microsoft Excel 2000 or higher
The following is necessary for the Socrates Media Product Browser, used with some titles:
- Microsoft .NET Framework (preinstalled in XP, otherwise via free download)
A: Nearly all Adams and Socrates Legal Kits or CD products contain an Appendix that summarizes the laws of each individual state for the topic provided. You can check the appropriate Appendix to see if there are any specific laws in your state that will apply to the legal issue in question.
Q: Can I really represent myself in court using Adams and Socrates Legal materials without hiring a lawyer?
A: Yes, the United States Supreme Court has ruled that all American citizens have an independent constitutional right to represent themselves in court without using an attorney if he or she voluntarily and intelligently elects to do so.
Q: Why doesn't the website for my state's laws that is provided in the Appendix of the Adams or Socrates Legal Forms (CD or kit version) seem to work?
A: The state law websites that are provided in Adams or Socrates Legal products are valid on the date of publication. Unfortunately, websites are subject to constant change. If the provided website is no longer valid, use an internet search engine (such as Google® or Yahoo®) and type in your state's name and the word "laws" to find a valid link to your state's statutes.
Q: My legal situation is quite complicated and seems beyond the scope of the information provided in the Adams or Socrates Legal product. What should I do?
A: Although Adams and Socrates Legal products can be used successfully in most common legal situations, if your circumstances are complex or do not seem to fit the explanations provided, you will need to seek the assistance of a lawyer. Many states provide low-cost legal aid services for many legal issues. In addition, you can contact your state's bar association for referrals to attorneys who specialize in specific areas of law. Please note that specific legal questions relating to the use of the forms or their likely consequences cannot be answered by our Technical Support. For specific advice on a particular legal point, you will need to consult a competent attorney.
Q: How do I know if the legal information in my Adams or Socrates Legal product is up-to-date?
A: The information in your Adams or Socrates Legal product is continuously up-dated to provide the most current legal information available. If there are any changes to information in our products since their publication date, updates will be provided on this website. To access the updates, you will need to register your product. Although we continuously update legal information, laws and statutes are subject to constant change. Our legal products are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information to the public regarding the particular subject matter of each product.
Q: There is no registration code in my product. How do I register the product to obtain updates?
A: Some versions of Adams and Socrates Legal products do not have registrations codes. Please contact Technical support and a representative will help you.
Q: I have a specific legal question about using one of the forms. Can I contact Technical Support about legal questions?
A: Our Technical Support team can answer questions about damaged or defective products and about installing and using the CD products. Unfortunately, specific legal questions relating to the use of the forms or their likely consequences cannot be answered. For specific advice on a particular legal point, you will need to consult a competent attorney.
FORMS ISSUES:
Q: Can I loan my Adams or Socrates Legal product to a friend?
A: No, the information contained in your Adams or Socrates Legal product is protected by U.S. copyright laws and is only licensed for use by the original purchaser of the product. Any other use, including loaning it to a friend, is illegal and a violation of copyright law.
Q: Why are there both text files and PDF files on some of the Adams and Socrates Legal Forms CDs?
A: PDF (Portable Document Format) files are the most widely-used cross platform format for accessing computer files. Many of the PDF files are fillable and printable on any computer using the Adobe Reader® program that can be downloaded free from Adobe. However, you cannot save or modify the information on a PDF file. If you wish to save or modify information in a form, text forms have been supplied that may be opened in your own word-processing program and altered to fit your own legal situation.
Q: How do I install the forms from my Adams or Socrates Legal Kit CD onto my computer?
A: There are a couple of methods that we use. Many CDs have an automatic installation program that will start when you put the CD into your computer's CD drive. You will be prompted with various choices as you move through the installation program. If the installation program does not start automatically, click on the Windows "START" menu, then on "RUN" and locate your computer's CD drive using "Browse". Then click on "install.exe" and click "OK" to run the installation program. [Note for MAC users: you will need to manually copy the appropriate folder from the CD directly to your MACs hard-drive. In addition, if you do not have Adobe Reader® installed on your MAC, you will need to download this program from the Adobe website (www.adobe.com)].
Some CDs use the Socrates Media Product Browser. When you load the CD, the Setup Wizard will guide you through the installation process.
Q: What is the Socrates Media Product Browser?
A: This is the program that allows you to access the forms, documents and other files that are part of the product you bought.
Q: Where is my program installed?
A: For the CDs with the Socrates Media Product Browser, if you did not change the installation destination during the installation process, there will be an icon on your desktop called "Socrates Product Browser." You can also open your program by clicking on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen and going to "(All) Programs". There will be a program called "Socrates Product Browser" listed in the "Socrates Media" program group here.
Other CDs will install under the specific title of the CD, or a folder called Adams e-forms. You can access these folders by clicking on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of your screen and going to "(All) Programs".
Q: Why does my product not show up under registered products in the Product Browser?
A: You must install the software content for each software title you purchase. If the product does not appear under registered products in the Socrates Media Product Browser, it probably has not yet been installed.
Q: How do I fill in the PDF forms on my computer?
A: Once the appropriate PDF form is open in the Adobe Reader® program, you will see a "hand tool" icon as the cursor. Move this cursor over the first blank space that will need to be filled in. The "hand tool" icon will change to a vertical bar or "I-beam" icon in the space that will need to be completed. Fill in the appropriate information and then hit the TAB key on your computer. This will move the cursor to the next space to be completed. Please note that some spaces are not filled in using the program and will need to be completed by hand (particularly the signature and notary blanks). Once completed you may print out the form. Also note that filled-in information in a PDF form will not be saved in the Adobe Reader® program. To save filled-in information, you will need to either use the provided text forms or purchase an upgrade to the program from the Adobe website (www.adobe.com)].
Q: Why can't I save my filled-in PDF form from my Adams or Socrates Legal Forms (CD version)?
A: Filled-in PDF forms are not savable using the Adobe Reader® program that is supplied with many of the CDs. If you wish to save (or modify) information in a form, you will need to use the text file forms that are also supplied on the CD.
Q: How do I access the text files that have been installed on my computer's hard-drive?
A: To access the text files, you must first open your own word-processing program. Then, click on "FILE" on the program's menu bar and locate the correct folder for the forms you desire. Open the folder and find the correct form and click on its icon to open the form.
Q: How do I complete the text forms on my computer?
A: Using your own word-processing program, you will need to insert the appropriate information into every space on the form that has an asterisk (*). The asterisks are used as place-holders in the forms. Delete the asterisk after you have entered your own information on the form. You may then format the form as you wish and both save and print out the completed form.
Q: The text files from the CD look different than the samples provided in the instruction book. Is something wrong?
A: The text-version forms are provided in a basic text-file format so that the forms are compatible with the widest possible variety of word-processing programs. You can use your own word-processing program to format the forms to match the samples in the book or format them in different ways. Please note that our Technical Support team can not provide any help with using your particular word-processing program. Please use the documentation that came with your program or contact technical support for your particular program.
Q: Can I use the Adams Legal Forms (CD version) with my MAC computer?
A: Yes, the Adams Legal Forms (CD version) will work on a MAC computer. However, the automatic installation program for the forms is not compatible with MACs. Thus, you will need to manually copy the appropriate folder from the CD directly to your MACs hard-drive. In addition, if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on your MAC, you will need to download this program from the Adobe website (www.adobe.com)]. Be sure that you download the version that is correct for your particular MAC operating system.
The Socrates Product Browser is not MacIntosh-compatible.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ISSUES
Q: What type of technical support is available for Legal forms?A: Our Technical Support can answer questions about damaged or defective products and about installing and using the CD products. You can contact Technical Support if your computer can read other CDs, but can't read our CD product. You can also contact Technical Support if anything seems to be missing from your Legal product. Specific legal questions regarding the use of Adams or Socrates Legal products cannot be answered by Technical Support. In addition, any questions regarding the use of your computer, your word-processing program, or the Adobe Reader® program cannot be answered by our Technical Support. Please contact your computer's manufacturer, the provider of your word-processing program, or Adobe for information regarding how to use these products.
Q: I have a specific legal question about using one of the forms. Can I contact Technical Support about legal questions?
A: Our Technical Support team can answer questions about damaged or defective products and about installing and using the CD products. Unfortunately, specific legal questions relating to the use of the forms or their likely consequences cannot be answered. For specific advice on a particular legal point, you will need to consult a competent attorney.
Q: How do I contact Technical Support?
A: You may reach Technical Support during the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday thru Friday, by calling 1-877-860-4649, or you mail email gttechsupport@tops-products.com at any time.
If you were unable to find an answer to your questions regarding a specific product on this FAQ page, please contact technical support
Q: Why does the Socrates web site have Adams products?
A: The Socrates brand of legal forms products was acquired by RR Donnelley & Sons and is now marketed by RR Donnelley’s TOPS business unit. TOPS markets legal products under the Adams brand, and has other office and school supply products marketed under the brands Tops®, Adams®, Cardinal®, Globe-Weis®, through many well known trademarks such as Docket®, Second Nature™, Write ‘n Stick®, Notes Plus®, Accordion®, EasyOpen®, SpineVue®, Write ‘n Erase®, and OneStep®, to name a few.
Our legal forms products have changed since Socrates was acquired. As the Socrates brand has been changing over to the Adams brand, the legal content has been updated and improved with the help of some of the best “self-help” legal experts in the industry, resulting in a higher quality product offering.
Q: Can you give me legal advice?
A: Adams and Socrates Legal Forms do NOT provide legal advice. We do provide legal information through the forms and kits we sell. If you need advice on a course of action to take in your particular situation, we urge you to consult with an attorney.
The materials we offer are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. They are sold with the understanding that the publisher and author are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.
- Log in to "Your Account" using the link at the top of the page on Socrates.com.
- Your purchased products will show up in a list under "registered products".
- Click on the “Download Product” button of the product you are trying to download. The download process should begin after you click on this button. You will be prompted to open or save the file. Click on save.
- The next window will let you choose where on your computer the downloaded file will be saved. Under "save in" be sure to select a location where the file can be easily located.
- The download will commence and a window will alert you when the download is complete. Click "close."
- Go to the location you selected for the download in step 4 and double-click on the icon.
Q: Where did my download get saved on my computer?
A: Where the file downloaded on your computer depends where your browser was set to put it. If you cannot find your download you can download it again. For directions to do this please refer to the FAQ above, "How do I download my order". Step 4 in this process will instruct you on how to designate where the file will be downloaded and saved on your computer. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find.
Q: How do I unzip my download?
A: Double-click on the zip file. A screen will appear titled "WinZip Self-Extractor." Click on "Browse" and you can select where you would like the files to go when unzipped. Do this by clicking on a location in this window. We recommend selecting "Desktop." After you have selected a location, click "OK" and then click "Unzip." If the unzip is successful, you will see a screen that says, "X file(s) unzipped successfully."
Click "OK" and then go to the location you chose for unzipping the files. Your product will be there in the form of several .pdf, .doc, or .xls files.
Q: Why won't the form open?
A: If when you double-click on an Adobe form (.pdf file) and nothing happens, you most likely do not have Adobe Reader installed. Some of our forms require Adobe Reader 6.0 or later to run. You can download a free version of this software at www.adobe.com. If you know that you have Adobe Reader 6.0 or later installed and that it is working correctly, it may not be set to open .pdf files. Uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe should resolve this. Or you can contact our Customer Service department to reset this connection manually.
Most of our forms are now in Word or Excel format. If you cannot open these files, you may not have Microsoft Office (or other word processing or spreadsheet programs) installed, or your trial version of software has expired, or your word processing or spreadsheet program is not set as the default program to open these types of files.
Q: What is the .NET Framework?
A: This is a Microsoft application that is required for the Socrates Media Product Browser to run. It comes already installed with Windows XP. If you have an earlier version of Windows, you can download this for free here. We suggest saving to your Desktop as this will be the easiest to find. Microsoft has released a Service Pack to repair known security issues with the .NET Framework. It can be downloaded for free here. The Service Pack must be installed after installing the .NET Framework. The latest version of the Socrates Media Product Browser requires the .NET Framework Service Pack.
Q: How do I register my product?
A: Click on the "Your Account" link at the top of the page on Socrates.com.
New members will need to fill out the “New Customers – Start Here” section and click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
Existing members please log in with your e-mail address and password.
Click "Register Your Purchased Products."
Please follow the directions provided on the registration page.
