
How to Use Your Legal Plan As a LegalEASE LegalGUARD Member, you will be issued a membership card that contains your personal identification number as well as a toll-free Member Services number and a toll-free attorney referral number. Whenever you wish to use the services of a Plan Attorney, please call the toll-free attorney referral telephone number that appears on your membership card. You will be asked to provide your name and membership number.
WHAT SERVICES ARE COVERED
This is a summary of benefits only. Please refer to your printed Certificate of Coverage for details regarding the Plan Benefits that you selected during enrollment.
LegalADVISOR Plan
The LegalADVISOR Plan entitles you and you eligible dependents to receive certain personal legal services. Please take time for yourself and your family to read the description of benefits carefully. The following services are covered under the Plan:
ADVICE AND CONSULTATION
LegalEASE Helpline This service provides the opportunity to discuss with an attorney any personal legal problems that are not specifically excluded. The Plan Attorney will explain
the Participant’s rights, point out his or her options and recommend a course of action. The Plan Attorney will identify any further coverage available under the Plan, and will undertake representation if the Participant so requests. If representation is covered by the Plan, the Participant will be billed by the attorney at a discounted hourly rate. The Plan Discount is 25%. Please note that there is no additional discount on flat fee or contingency fee cases. The Participant may choose whether to retain the Plan Attorney at his or her own expense, seek outside counsel, or do nothing. There are no restrictions on the number of times per year a Participant may use this service; however, for a non-covered matter, this
service is not intended to provide the Participant with continuing access to a Plan Attorney in order to seek advice that would allow the Participant to undertake his or her own representation.
Office Consultation This service provides the opportunity to discuss with an attorney any personal legal problems that are not specifically excluded. The Plan Attorney will explain
the Participant’s right, point out his or her options and recommend a course of action. The Plan
Attorney will identify any further coverage available under the Plan, and will undertake
representation if the Participant so requests. If representation is covered by the Plan, the Participant will be billed by the attorney at a discounted hourly rate. The Plan Discount is 25%. Please note that there is no additional discount on flat fee or contingency fee cases. The Participant may choose whether to retain the Plan Attorney at his or her own expense, seek outside counsel, or do nothing. There are no restrictions on the number of times per year a Participant may use this service; however, for a non-covered matter, this
service is not intended to provide the Participant with continuing access to a Plan Attorney in order to seek advice that would allow the Participant to undertake his or her own representation.
Review of Simple Document The Plan Attorney will verbally explain the meaning or impact of any form or document, or make suggestions for changes to a form or document being
drafted of up to the maximum number of pages as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit does not include a written analysis of any form or document.
Simple Will Preparation Plan Attorney shall prepare a simple will or codicil for Member, spouse and Family Member and discuss the legal requirements for signing the will.
Living Will Preparation of living will for Member and/or Family Member as authorized by state law. A
living will expresses an individual’s wishes as to the use or withdrawal of life support systems. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Financial Helpline
Consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to
investment strategies, debt matters, taxes or any personal financial planning question.
LegalGUARD Plan
The LegalGUARD Plan entitles you and you eligible dependents to receive certain personal
legal services. The available benefits are very comprehensive, but there are limitations and
other conditions that must be met. Please take time for yourself and your family to read the
description of benefits carefully. The following services are covered under the Plan:
ADVICE AND CONSULTATION
LegalEASE Helpline This service provides the opportunity to discuss with an attorney
any personal legal problems that are not specifically excluded. The Plan Attorney will explain
the Participant’s rights, point out his or her options and recommend a course of action. The
Plan Attorney will identify any further coverage available under the Plan, and will undertake
representation if the Participant so requests. If representation is covered by the Plan, the
Participant will not be charged for the Plan Attorney’s services. If representation is
recommended, but is not covered by the plan, the Plan Attorney will provide a written fee
statement in advance. The Participant may choose whether to retain the Plan Attorney at his or
her own expense, seek outside counsel, or do nothing. There are no restrictions on the number of
times per year a Participant may use this service; however, for a non-covered matter, this
service is not intended to provide the Participant with continuing access to a Plan Attorney in
order to seek advice that would allow the Participant to undertake his or her own
representation.
Office Consultation This service provides the opportunity to discuss with an attorney
any personal legal problems that are not specifically excluded. The Plan Attorney will explain
the Participant’s right, point out his or her options and recommend a course of action. The Plan
Attorney will identify any further coverage available under the Plan, and will undertake
representation if the Participant so requests. If representation is covered by the Plan, the
Participant will not be charged for the Plan Attorney’s services. If representation is
recommended, but is not covered by the plan, the Plan Attorney will provide a written fee
statement in advance. The Participant may choose whether to retain the Plan Attorney at his or
her own expense, seek outside counsel, or do nothing. There are no restrictions on the number of
times per year a Participant may use this service; however, for a non-covered matter, this
service is not intended to provide the Participant with continuing access to a Plan Attorney in
order to seek advice that would allow the Participant to undertake his or her own
representation.
Review of Simple Document The Plan Attorney will verbally explain the meaning or
impact of any form or document, or make suggestions for changes to a form or document being
drafted of up to the maximum number of pages as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit
does not include a written analysis of any form or document.
Financial Helpline
Consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to
investment strategies, debt matters, taxes or any personal financial planning question.
MISCELLANEOUS LAW OFFICE SERVICES
Miscellaneous Law Office Services Benefits not specifically covered or excluded
hereunder to be provided at an amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit is
limited to one use per year and is subject to Managed Case Rules.
CONSUMER MATTERS
Document Preparation
Preparation of any of the following documents: simple deed (excluding those reviewed or prepared
under the real estate benefit), promissory note, consumer dispute correspondence, installment
sales agreement, general power of attorney, lease agreement (tenant only), time share agreement,
and simple affidavit. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Life Insurance Claims Assistance to Members in securing life insurance proceeds (not
including life insurance provided as an employee benefit) when a Member and/or Family Member is
a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. This benefit is limited to one use per year and is
subject to Managed Case Rules.
Consumer Dispute Consultation or representation in a dispute relating to consumer
goods and services (not involving real estate construction, landlord/tenant disputes or
renovation). This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Small Claims Court Representation Consultation and/or representation for a consumer
dispute filed in small claims court. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
WILL, CODICIL, POWER OF ATTORNEY AND PROBATE
Will and Codicil Preparation Preparation of one simple will or codicil (an amendment
to an existing will) for the Member and spouse only.
Simple Will Preparation Plan Attorney shall prepare a simple will or codicil for
Member, spouse and Family Member and discuss the legal requirements for signing the will.
Complex Will Preparation Plan Attorney shall prepare a complex will or codicil for
Member, spouse or Family Member at a discounted fee paid directly to the attorney as shown in
the Schedule of Benefits.
Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney Preparation of living will and/or
health care power of attorney for Member and/or Family Member as authorized by state law. A
living will expresses an individual’s wishes as to the use or withdrawal of life support
systems. A health care power of attorney appoints another to make medical decisions if the
individual is unable to do so him/her self. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Probate of Small Estate The service of an attorney for the probate of a small estate
(an estate that is not subject to current state or federal estate taxation) up to the maximum as
shown in Schedule of Benefits.
RESIDENTIAL MATTERS
Real Estate Sale, Purchase or Refinancing of Primary Residence The services of an
attorney for the purchase or sale of a Member’s primary residence (where Member has resided or
intends to reside for twenty-seven (27) weeks or more per year). This service includes the
review or preparation of closing documents and/or attendance by the Member’s attorney at closing
in situations when it is customary to do so. This benefit does not include services performed
by or for a title company, or for an attorney acting on behalf of a lending institution.
Refinancing or home equity loans and the sale or purchase of unimproved or rental properties are
not included. This benefit is limited to one closing per year and is subject to a waiting
period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
Landlord/Tenant Disputes Representation of the Member and/or Family Member as a
tenant in a dispute with his/her landlord. This benefit is limited to one use per year and is
subject to Managed Case Rules.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Debt Collection Defense The defense of any dispute involving personal (non-business
related) debt. This benefit includes correspondence, negotiating with creditors to arrange a
repayment schedule, assistance in limiting harassment by bill collectors, and negotiating
settlement after a complaint is filed. This service does not include defense against execution
of a court-ordered judgment or efforts to vacate or set aside a judgment. This benefit is
limited to one use per year. Trial defense benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules.
Tax Audits Includes the services of an attorney (but not accounting services) during a
personal (non-business related) tax audit process required by federal and state tax authorities
and negotiations relating to it. This benefit does not include a defense against criminal
charges nor the defense of civil tax litigation in any tax court. This benefit is limited to
one use per year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of
Benefits. This benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules.
FAMILY LAW
Separation, Divorce, Annulment Legal representation of the Member only for up to 10
hours in an uncontested separation, divorce, civil annulment, consent or default divorce. An
uncontested separation, divorce or civil annulment does not involve significant disputed issues
and the parties resolve any issues prior to any court supervised proceeding. A consent or
default divorce does not involve any disputed issues and the opposing party is not represented
by counsel. The benefit for uncontested matters does not provide any coverage of an attorney’s
fee for: (1) services in excess of 10 hours; the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services
in excess of 10 hours; (2) services relative to post-decree representation; or, (3) contested
matters in which case the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services, unless this Policy
provides coverage of contested matters and the benefit shall be in accordance with the Schedule
of Benefits. A contested separation, divorce or civil annulment requires more than five (5)
hours of attorney time, involves disputed issues and both parties are represented by an
attorney. This benefit is limited to one use per year (representation seeking or defending
against interim or subsequent-to-decree order shall constitute a separate use) and applies to
the Member only. This benefit is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule
of Benefits. Contested divorce is subject to the Managed Case Rules.
Name Change Services required to accomplish a legal name change for a Member or
Family Member. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Guardianship/Conservatorship Services required to establish a Member and/or Family
Member as the guardian(s) or conservator(s) of another. This benefit does not include contested
matters. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Uncontested Adoption Legal representation for a Member and/or Family Member of up to
five (5) hours in an uncontested governmental agency or stepparent adoption. An uncontested
adoption does not involve significant disputed issues. This benefit does not include: (1)
contested termination of parental rights; (2) fees for a court-appointed attorney for the child;
or (3) adoptions(s) made through any agency other than a governmental agency. A contested
adoption requires more than five (5) hours of attorney time and involves disputed issues. If
the amount of an attorney’s times for uncontested adoption exceeds five (5) hours, or if the
adoption becomes contested, coverage will terminate and the Member and/or Family Member will be
responsible for any additional legal fees. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Juvenile Court Matters Services related to the representation of the dependent child
of a Member and/or Family Member in any juvenile court proceeding, provided the child’s interest
is not in conflict with the Member’s and/or Family Member’s interest. This benefit does not
cover any matter that falls outside the jurisdiction of juvenile court. This benefit is limited
to one use per year.
CIVIL LITIGATION DEFENSE
Civil Litigation Defense Services related to the representation of a Member and/or
Family Member who is a named defendant in a civil lawsuit (non-business related), up to and
including the trial thereof. This benefit does not include: (1) any debt collection or family
law matters; (2) lawsuits normally handled on a contingent fee basis; or (3) matters for which
the Member has or is required by law to have insurance. This benefit is limited to one use per
year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This
benefit is subject to the Managed Case Rules.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Administrative Proceeding Services related to the representation of a Member and/or
Family Member in an administrative proceeding relating to the suspension or revocation of
driving privileges. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Misdemeanor Defense Defense of a Member and/or Family Member in connection with
criminal misdemeanor charges (not associated with any felony charge). This benefit does not
include defense of moving traffic violations. This benefit is limited to one use per year.
This benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules.
BETTER BENEFITS PACKAGE - INCLUDED
FINANCIAL COUNSELING
- Free Initial Consultations
- Free Comprehensive Family Budget prepared
- Unlimited Access to Extensive eLibraries
FINANCIAL PLANNING
- Free Initial Consultations with Certified Planners
- Reduced Rates of Financial Plan Services
- No Minimum Fee Structure
- 90 Day “No-Questions-Asked” Money-back Guarantee
ELDER PARENT COVERAGE
- Free Will or Living Will
- Free Unlimited Number of Initial Consultations With a Local Attorney
IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION/RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
- 4 Free Initial Consultations With Trained Specialists
- Free Recovery Document Preparation/Review by a Local Attorney
- Free Personal ID Recovery Package
EXCLUSIONS
Certain matters are excluded from coverage under the Plan. No services, not even a
consultation, can be provided on the following matters:
- Appellate court proceedings, class actions, interventions, derivative action and
amicus curiae filings
- The preparation and filing of individual, partnership or estate tax returns,
appellate or administrative proceedings related to tax returns, litigation before the U.S. Tax
Court, U.S. Court of Claims or any other federal, state or other courts with respect to tax
matters.
- Matters relating to securities, trademark or patent matters; business or commercial
interests, including, but not limited to, professional, partnership and/or corporate matters;
matters involving the law or laws of jurisdictions other than the United States and its
territories and Canada; any matters involving a government (domestic or foreign) entity or
agency; farm related issues; matters involving commercial or rental property transactions,
including the purchase, sale or lease of investment or income-producing property. A two-family
house, whether or not used by the Member as his or her primary residence, is deemed an
investment or income-producing property.
- Legal services which are fully paid for or provided at no cost by any governmental
agency, organization or insurance company.
- Matters that the attorney deems frivolous, spurious, harassing, or unethical
(collectively referred to as “frivolous”) or otherwise prohibited by the Model Rules of
Professional Conduct of the state in which the attorney is licensed.
- Costs associated with covered legal services, including but not limited to, all
fines,court costs, penalties, sanctions, expert witness fees, bonds, bail bonds, attorney fees,
exhibits, deposition costs, filing fees, transcripts, postage, telephone, photocopying,
recording fees, messengers, judgments, jury fees, court reporter fees, investigative costs and
all other incidental and out-of-pocket legal and litigation costs.
- Any services on behalf of a Family Member against the interests of the Member.
- Any employment-related matter. This includes, but is not limited to, any dispute
involving the Member’s employer or its affiliates, their officers or directors, the Member’s
employee benefit plans, credit unions, programs or arrangements sponsored by an employer, or
cases involving workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, sex harassment, age
discrimination, etc.
- Any dispute or proceeding against the following persons or entities, their officers,
directors, employees, or agents: any person or entity involved in the sale of the Policy;
Administrator or its subsidiaries; Policyholder; Member’s employer; Combined Specialty Insurance
Company it’s parents, subsidiaries or any affiliated or successor company, plan underwriter or
reinsurer; Plan Sponsor; or any Participating and/or Non-Participating Attorney, if the dispute
or proceeding pertains to services provided under the Policy.
- Except regarding LegalEASE Helpline and Financial and Tax Helpline services, the
Policy will not provide benefits in connection with pre-existing matters, which includes any
matter where the Member and/or Family Member is on notice as to a pending legal dispute or has
previously contacted an attorney.
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OTHER SPECIAL RULES
In addition to the coverages and exclusions listed,there are certain rules for special
situations. Please read this section carefully.
What if other coverage is available to you?
You are entitled to receive legal representation provided by any other organization such as
an insurance company or a government agency, or if you are entitled to legal services under any
other legal plan, coverage will not be provided under this Plan. However, if you are eligible
for legal aid or Public Defender services, you will still be eligible for benefits under the
Plan, so long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
What if you are involved in a legal dispute with your dependents?
You many need legal help with a problem involving your spouse or your children. In some
cases, both you and your child many need an attorney. If it would be improper for one attorney
to represent both you and your dependent, only you will be entitled to representation by the
plan attorney. Your dependent will not be covered under the Plan.
What if you are involved in a legal dispute with another employee?
If you or your dependents are involved in a dispute with another eligible employee of that
employee’s dependents, LegalEASE will arrange for legal representation with the independent and
separate counsel for both parties.
What if the court awards attorneys’ fees as part of a settlement?
If you are awarded attorneys’ fees as a part of a court settlement, the Plan must be repaid
from this award to the extent that it paid the fee for your attorney.
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