I see these current posts on health and home insurance, but does anyone ever think about a type of legal insurance?

-- Uncle Jake (lulafred@cs.com), September 14, 2001

Answers

Uncle Jake,

Yes,

We have legal insurance. It is through a company called Pre-Paid Legal,Inc. www.prepaidlegal.com Our cost is $16/month. It includes unlimited attorney consultations over the phone, a $10 comprehensive will, and representation in court if needed. Of course like any other insurance product it has its limits and restrictions, so check it our for yourself. It has saved us more money than we have paid in premiums so far. They got us back several hundred dollars that we would have lost to a company who did not give us the service we had paid for. One letter from our attorney and the check was in the mail. Need I say more. They also have agents in most localities, check your phone book for them.

Hope this helps you out.

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), September 14, 2001.

I am an independent associate for Pre Paid Legal Services, Inc. and I'd like to reccommend it to others looking for a business they can run from the homestead, They're easy to work with and the product is a good one . Lets you earn a living while making a difference.

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net), September 14, 2001.

I'd call some local attorneys and ask them if they accept the insurance before I made a decision. I believe that, in general, you get what you pay for. There is a world of difference (and usually fees) between a lawyer and a good lawyer. Of course, most of can't afford Cadillacs so we drive Saturns. Still, find out exactly what representation you get. If a lawyer isn't getting paid much for representing you, if may try to get you to go for a deal when you shouldn't.

-- paul (primrose@centex.net), September 15, 2001.

Paul,

Pre-Paid Legal insurance does not work like regular insurance. You do not just go to any lawyer to use it. The company has contracts with the largest and best legal firms in most every state. It is really more of a contract than insurance. The firm selected agrees to help you or defend you when you have a problem. All for one monthly fee depending on the services you select. Just one letter or phone call from your attorney and you can save hundreds. I have had this done twice now. Both were to companies who were trying to rip me off. They figured I would not get an attorney to come after them since the amount was not too much, but with my Pre-Paid Legal attorney fees already paid, I got my money back and then some.

I originally felt the same way you do. How can you get a good lawyer for $16/month? The reason we get such good service is money. As a group we are the law firms biggest customer and they do not want to lose the business, so we get exceptional service at a good price. It is just group volume I think that keeps the price down. The law firms are regularly checked by Pre-Paid Legal to see if customers are being treated well. They sent me a survey after each lawyer contact to see how I was treated. If they get complaints about a law firm, the get a better one. This happened in my state some time ago.

I thought it was worth the first years fees just to have a will made for myself and my wife. No one really wants to make a will, but after looking at what happened the other day, you never know what will happen next. I think I worked too hard to let the government decide where my stuff will go after I am gone. I want to make the choice myself.

Hope this helps you understand Paul.

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), September 15, 2001.

Do these organizations do trusts as well, or just simple wills? I know people think of trusts only for the wealthy, but depending on the value of your property, a lot of people these days can easily fall into the category of those needing a trust.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), September 15, 2001.

Yes, they do trust's. They cover any legal aspect. Trust's aren't covered as a free service, but as a member, you would receive at least 25% off of their hourly rate for doing a trust for you. Pre paid legal only employs the top notch law firms around the country, and they have lawyers that are experienced in every aspect of the law.

-- Uncle Jake (lulafred@cs.com), September 15, 2001.

Thanks Uncle Jake,

I thought it sounded too good to be true.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), September 15, 2001.

They are not too good to be true nospam. Like I said, that should fall under the area of what they call Title # 5, which would be at least 25% off of their regular legal fees. Some states have an even bigger % off. Now, go and see what the average per hour charge is for law firms in your area and tell me if you think that twenty five percent isn't significant. It all depends on what state you live in as to where they have Title 5 coverage or not.

Nospam, I'll be glad to check if this coverage is in your state, just send me an e-mail.

-- Uncle Jake (lulafred@cs.com), September 16, 2001.

Thanks, but I have been looking at the Nolo Press stuff instead.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), September 17, 2001.