By LEAP | AAML New Jersey Silver Sponsor

Choosing document automation software for your family law firm is about more than just faster document drafting. The right solution can reshape how your team operates—supporting greater accuracy, flexibility, efficiency, and reliability across matters. By reducing time spent on manual data entry and repetitive tasks, you can focus more energy on providing the attentive, high-quality care individuals and families require during life’s more complex moments. 

But with so many legal document creation platforms on the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for your firm’s needs? Here are five essential questions to help guide your evaluation: 

 1. How will it help my firm draft documents more efficiently and accurately? 

At its most basic, legal document automation saves time by auto-populating fields in forms and templates—pulling in client details you’ve already gathered to reduce repetitive data entry and the risk of errors. More advanced platforms can take this a step further, using AI-powered drafting to give you a head start by generating high-quality first drafts of letters, court forms, emails, and more. 

Look for a solution that offers regularly updated New Jersey-specific forms and templates, such as the Case Information Statement (CIS) and Child Support Worksheets. Having an up-to-date library at your fingertips saves you the time of having to search online and can give you confidence in your filings. 

Bonus points if the platform includes tools for financial disclosures and child support calculations to further streamline document preparation. 

 2. Does it offer customization for family law matters? 

Every family law case is unique, and your software should reflect that. A strong platform allows you to customize forms for divorces, custody arrangements, prenuptial agreements, post-judgment motions, and more. 

For New Jersey family law practitioners, a customizable CIS is particularly valuable. Features like flexible columns, editable fields, built-in calculators, and expandable sections make it easier to tailor the form to each client’s circumstances while staying compliant with court requirements. 

3. Can it integrate with my existing apps and tools? 

Technology should simplify your current workflow—not complicate it. Look for legal software that integrates with the programs you already use regularly, such as Microsoft 365. When working within a connected ecosystem, you can continue using trusted tools while creating court-ready documents like parenting schedules and marital settlement agreements more efficiently. 

4. Will it scale as my family law firm grows? 

While simple form-filling might meet your immediate needs, you’ll likely want more sophisticated tools as your practice expands, and you can realize even more benefit from leveraging legal technology. Choose a scalable platform that can grow with you, offering: 

• Additional features like case management, online billing, accounting, and task workflows 
• AI tools to assist with document drafting, legal research, and timekeeping 
• Regularly updated New Jersey–specific form and templates 
• Ongoing training and support 

Selecting a platform with growth in mind helps you avoid the disruption of switching systems later. 

5. Does it have robust security? 

Family law matters involve sensitive client information. The platform you choose should safeguard this data with encryption, secure cloud storage, file access controls, and compliance with SOC 2 Type 2 standards. These protections help build client trust, ensure confidentiality, and keep your firm aligned with regulatory requirements. 

Find the Right Fit for Your Firm 

Choosing document automation software is a strategic decision that can reshape how your firm provides legal services. Ultimately, it should help you draft faster, minimize errors, and deliver trustworthy results for you and your clients. 

As platforms vary widely in features and usability, carefully compare your options and schedule live demos. Seeing the software in action is one of the best ways to understand its capabilities, test how it fits your workflows, and guide you toward a solution that truly supports your firm’s needs. 

Explore how LEAP’s document automation—with AI drafting, an extensive library of forms and templates for New Jersey family law, customizable CIS features, and more—can help you work faster, freeing up time to focus on what matters most. Schedule a personalized demo today. 

About the Writer 

Aislinn Koch is a family lawyer on the Content Development Team for LEAP Legal Software US. She began her legal career as a clerk for a Judge in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Part. She then went on to practice law at prestigious family law firms throughout the state of New Jersey. Aislinn is passionate about helping lawyers leverage technology to streamline their practices, boost efficiency, and stay organized.