Tip #239 - How To Use Conditional Statements In Document Templates

We have added a native conditional statement function in the v2023 version of SmartAdvocate. The conditional statement function makes it easier to use merge codes in formulas in your document templates. Our updated Word Template Editor Plugin now has an additional tab on the toolbar for the conditional statement function.

To use the function, place your cursor in the location of your template where you will want to insert the conditional statement. Click the “Conditional” tab on the tool bar to display the available options.

1. Enter your “formula” in the area for “Equation.” Here you can enter an actual formula using merge codes or just a single merge code. In the example above, we are using a single merge code for Plaintiff Primary Language. Note: You may need to copy the merge code(s) you will be using in your formula before you access the Conditional Tab (or keep a different page open on a second screen to be able to access the desired merge codes) because Word will not allow access to this page once the conditional dialog box is open.
    

2. Choose the desired operator for your formula (in the example above we will use the = operator).
    

3. Enter the statement for the operator to be true (in our example we will enter Spanish).
    

4. Enter the statement to be printed if the operation is true.
    

5. Enter the statement to be printed if the operation is false.
    

6. Click the Insert button to enter the resulting merge code into your template.

In our example, if the primary plaintiff’s primary language is Spanish, the phrase below will be printed:  

If the primary language is not Spanish, the following phrase will be printed:

Of course, one of the major benefits of the conditional function is that you can use one template where you may otherwise have been required to use multiple templates.