For those who have made the transition, is there a good reason to do it? I can do everything I need to do in WP.

If WP is doing what you want, I can't think of a reason. I would learn to save files in Word .doc format if you want to send to someone. Realize that the conversions are very inexact.

Learning to use Word will be a struggle. They are both good programs but they think about documents in very different ways. See What are some basic tips for someone who is converting from Word Perfect?

I ask because it seems like a lot of 3rd party programs for my IPad only have a Word option when saving, emailing etc. and not WP

Here is my main question. I am a lawyer and the main thing I use WP for is merging a wp data file with a form I have prepared that has the appropriate fields designated for the data contained in the data file. This enables me to prepare an entire group of documents with one merge command.

Can this be done in Word?

Thanks

While it probably can, I haven't developed it to that extent. I do my merges document by document. If I had a series of them, I imagine I would be able to put together a macro that would do the merges in series. You would still end up with individual documents.

Most writings on Mail Merge are about mass mailings. I am also a lawyer and have a number of form documents that I use with a client data file to prepare draft documents for a specific client and case.

I create a new document based on a template from the form. That template contains merge fields and the document based on the template contains those fields. Templates in Word are quite different in function from those in Word Perfect.

That new document becomes a merge master document. The macro transforms the new document into such a document and then attaches the data file. It calls up the function to choose a particular record. The document is viewed in a merge preview mode rather than actually running a mail merge. Once the proper record is incorporated I freeze the merge fields (another macro) and change the document back to a non-merge document. I then edit it to make it fit the individual client and case and use it.

If you do decide to learn to use Word, spend a substantial amount of time learning about Styles and especially the use of the built-in heading styles for automatic numbering and the generation of tables of contents.

Most of the links I have provided come from my Intermediate Users Guide to Microsoft Word which is based on an old publication called the Legal Users Guide and on Shauna Kelly's site.

I hope this does not overwhelm.