Hello honorable Perl Monks. I am in need of some general advice; I'm NOT asking you to writing anything for me, I just need some input as to where I should begin this project. Here we go:

I have law firm that uses around 100 different templates for legal proceedings.(divorce, real-estate contracts..etc.) In an effort to optimize their time, I was asked to develop a simple interface that would parse client information into certain fields into these templates. This is the general functionality they desire:

Initial Page: (a)Legal aide enters general new client information (i.e. Name, address, gender, case number etc..)and (b)selects template they want to use.

Second Page: The completed template comes up ready for printing with this info inserted into the correct fields and all they have to do is print the completed legal brief for filing.

My question boils down to this: What format should I be programming the initial page in? I have used my Perl skills primarily for parsing online HTMLshopping cart order forms, "Contact Us" forms..etc..etc.(they are using a Novell Server)and (as stupid as this sounds):

Their templates are already made in MS Word, is there anyway to parse into Word Template fields?

I have seen this done on some online mortgage application websites.

Please be gentle. I give more than I ask.

janitored by ybiC: Retitle from less-than-descriptive "Design Question"

In reply to parse MS Word Template fields for legal documents by Anonymous Monk

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