Using our eForms - this information is for the legal profession

The Board has been issuing digital form templates for several years as part of our objective of maximising our use of eBusiness and carrying out as much work as possible electronically. The eForms offer an improved way of completing many application forms, thereby improving the service we provide to the public and legal profession.

To use the eForms you need to have version 4 or above of Adobe Reader - find out how to get this software.

Installing the eForms

You should download each form individually - we do not have an installation programme to add them all at one time. Follow the instruction above for how to do this.

Nearly all of our forms are interactive versions, which let you complete the details on screen. Some forms though are available in print only format, so you need to print them out and complete them by hand. The print only forms are clearly marked.

Completing the interactive eForms

The eForms are set up using a font that fits the size of each answer box and can be read clearly when the form is printed. The template does not allow you to change the font used.

Use your mouse to click on the first answer box and type in the appropriate response. When you have completed the answer, use your tab key to move to the next answer box. You work through the form using either the tab key or your mouse to complete each answer box.

You cannot use your tab key to move forward if the next question is answered by ticking the appropriate box (e.g. Mr Miss Mrs Other). In this case, use your mouse to click on the appropriate answer box and a cross will automatically appear. If you mark the wrong box by mistake, simply click on the correct box and it will automatically amend the answer. When you have completed this question, use your mouse to click on the next answer box and then continue as before using the tab key to move forward.

When you are typing a postal address in an answer box, use the return key after each line of the address. When you have completed the section, use the tab key to move to the next box.

Printing the eForm and returning it to the Board

On older forms, when you have fully completed the form, return to the opening page of the template and select the Print option to print as many paper copies of the form as desired. Make sure your cursor is not still inside any of the form fields before you print. On the new civil forms you can print from any page.

You do not need to print the front page containing 'points to remember'. In the print dialogue box, choose only the pages you want to print. You do not need to print the forms on coloured paper. You can simply print the forms, either single or double sided, on white paper.

If information is sometimes cut off at the top or bottom of a page when you print a form, or a small section of text prints on a separate page, try reducing the print margins on your PC to the minimum settings.

Please check that all the details are correct before signing and dating the form yourself and asking the client to sign and date it.

The completed form can now be sent to the Board.

Can I save the data on the eForms?
If you use the interactive versions and wish to save the data you have typed into the form, you need to purchase Adobe Acrobat software. The standard version of Adobe Acrobat costs £259 and the professional edition is £395. Alternatively Adobe Acrobat Approval (version 5) which enables you to save data from forms costs £35 (all excluding VAT). You can find out more details of this software and buy it on Adobe's website at www.adobe.co.uk Other software companies may offer similar products.

All Board services will be available through e-business by 2005, which will reduce bureaucracy and make the legal aid system quicker and more cost effective. We plan to offer civil legal aid by e-business from autumn 2004. This will include being able to make your civil legal aid application online, and as a result we do not plan to develop any further provision of the new forms in pdf format. You can read more about our eBusiness project.

Do you have a CD-ROM with the eforms?
We are considering issuing a new CDROM in 2004.

If you are having a problem with the eForms that is not similar to any of the issues covered above, please feel free to contact us. If the problem is about the content of the forms, please contact our Communications department on 0131 226 7061 or email us.