What is a Prepaid legal plan?

What is a Prepaid legal plan? A prepaid legal plan is a plan based on the payment in advance of a set fee to defray the cost of providing legal service to the members enrolled in the plan. Programs vary in cost scope of legal coverage provided and how the legal services are provided.

An individual plan is readily accessible in all 50 states of the US. There are two types of individual plans: Access and Comprehensive. An access plan is the most basic. It is designed to give easy access to a lawyer and a set of simple legal services for a low cost. Basic services furnished include unlimited toll free phone access to your attorney for consultation and advice, letters written by the lawyer on your behalf, brief office consultations and drafting and reviews of documents.

Complex legal issues not covered will be subject to an hourly or flat rate negotiable with the provider.

The comprehensive plan goes beyond basic legal services, to offer more complex and comprehensive coverage for a premium in cost. Generally all the benefits of an access plan are provided at no cost to you, plus a broader range of services like drafting complicated legal documents, negotiations with adverse parties, legal representation in court cases such as divorce and child custody. They also cover all costs involved in a legal litigation. Comprehensive plans typically start at $300 a year and are most beneficial to middle class families.

A group plan is typically sponsored by an organization as a fringe benefit to its members. The lawyer or law firm contracted provides free or low cost coverage to all members of the sponsoring organization. Employers labor unions, and even universities now increasingly offering group legal plans to enhance the value of the benefits package and reduce the cost of administrative burdens. Law firms are contracted to provide participating members telephone and office consultation for their most frequently needed legal matters. These typically include: preparation of wills and trusts, document preparation and review, debt and real estate matters and family law.

Additional legal coverage can be contracted according to a fee schedule negotiable between the plan sponsor and provider, and publicized to participating members.