HotDocs Models: default var to value

This instruction suggests a value for a variable if the variable is unanswered.

For example, in the following script, the variable AttorneyName is defaulted to the literal value of Sam Jones:

default AttorneyName to "Sam Jones"

In this example, when HotDocs processes this script, it first determines whether AttorneyName has been answered. If it has, the default instruction has no effect and HotDocs uses the answer already given. If AttorneyName has not been answered, however, HotDocs suggests the answer Sam Jones. When this variable appears during the interview, users can accept this answer by moving to the next dialog, or they can enter a different answer in the answer field.

You can also use a default instruction to suggest an answer that has already been given in the interview. For example:

default TrusteeName to ClientName

In this example, when HotDocs processes this script, it first determines whether TrusteeName has been answered. If it has, the default instruction has no effect and HotDocs uses the answer already given. If TrusteeName has not been answered, HotDocs then checks to see what answer has been given for ClientName and suggests that as the answer. It is important to note, however, that if ClientName is unanswered, TrusteeName will likewise be unanswered.