subject: The Nature Of Pre-paid Legal Plans [print this page] A pre-paid legal plan does not entitle you to avail of the full scope of services of a lawyer hired to handle a legal case. It does however provide access to legal advice that can be invaluable in daily negotiations and legal matters, and it is cheaper than consulting with a law firm for small individual matters. A pre-paid legal plan is limited to the services enumerated below.
Telephone and Office Consultation: You have unlimited telephone access to a panel of attorneys regarding any legal matter of interest to you. You may also consult in person with a lawyer for free for about 30 minutes per day. Telephone and personal consultations must cover different legal matters as a condition in most plans, that is, you cannot seek consultation on the phone and then visit the attorney for consultation on the same matter.
Follow-Up Service: The panel of lawyers will write letters and make phone calls on your behalf to adverse third parties. These simple acts by lawyers will usually suffice to settle your legal problems.
Legal document review: Simple personal legal documents, such as your insurance policies, sales contracts and leases will be reviewed. The lawyer will also explain and clarify to you questions regarding the contents or wordings of the documents.
Drafting of wills: A will is a written document that regulates how you want your property distributed after your death. Your lawyer will compose your will in consonance with the applicable state laws to ensure its validity. He will give counsel on issues such as the nomination of an executor and the need of establishing a trust.
Discount on regular fees: You will be treated as a preferred client with a 20 to 30% discount on other services not included in the provisions for fees, be it a regular, flat rate or hourly fee. Services not covered by fee agreements may include divorce, custody and other family issues, and court representations for criminal and civil cases.
Pre-paid legal plans are intended to answer for normal and ordinary legal issues that may arise at less expense than engaging the services of a lawyer for every legal issue that you may be faced with. This pre-need service will enable you to prepare for unexpected problems and provide legal options to prevent the escalation of preventable situations. You are only a phone call away from preventing the occurrence of a legal problem and at the same time be aware of your hitherto unknown legal rights.
