LEGAL CARE DIRECT
The legal benefit is provided by a nationwide discount legal referral service. Attorneys in our network have an average of 19.4 years of experience.
Highlights
- A nationwide network of thousands of attorneys in all 50 states
- Plan attorneys will either charge $125.00 per hour, or 40% off their usual and customary hourly rate, whichever is greater
- Nine (9) free services* which include:
- Unlimited initial phone consultations for new legal matters
- Initial one-on-One consultations for new legal matters
- Attorney review of independent legal documents (6 page max.) per new matter
- When deemed appropriate by plan attorney, attorneys will write letters on member's behalf
- When deemed appropriate by plan attorney, attorneys will make phone calls on member's behalf
- Assistance in solving problems with government programs such as welfare and INS
- Attorneys will help members represent themselves in small claims court
- Free simple will with annual updates
- A state specific, web-based, free Living Will form is available to members. This form can be taken to and completed by the attorney
The following are eight (8) commonly used legal services for which plan attorneys have agreed to charge a one-time, deeply discounted fee:
| Traffic Ticket Defense | $ 89.00 |
| Name Change | $ 155.00 |
| Real Estate Closing | $ 250.00 |
| Chapter 7 Bankruptcy | $ 750.00 |
| Simple Divorce | $ 275.00 |
| Simple Will with Minor's Trust | $ 250.00 |
| Non-support (spouse/child) | $ 275.00 |
| Regular Incorporation | $ 295.00 |
Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary by region.
*In many states, attorney liability may require plan attorneys to obtain a retainer from the member prior to providing some of the free members benefits.
SAVINGS EXAMPLES
Deeply Discounted Legal Services
The following are eight (8) commonly used legal services for which plan attorneys have agreed to charge a one-time, deeply discounted fee:
| Legal Service | Average Cost | Legal Club Cost | Savings Percentage |
| Traffic Ticket Defense | $199.00 | $89.00 | 55% |
| Name Change | $1,100.00 | $155.00 | 85% |
| Simple Will With Minor's Trust | $530.00 | $250.00 | 53% |
| Chapter 7 Bankruptcy | $1,500.00 | $750.00 | 50% |
| Non-Support (Spouse/Child) | $1,490.00 | $275.00 | 82% |
| Simple Divorce | $1,100.00 | $275.00 | 75% |
| Corporation (Regular) | $585.00 | $295.00 | 50% |
| Personal (Non-Commercial | $675.00 | $250.00 | 63% |
| National Average | Discounted Rate | Savings Percentage | |
| Hourly Rates | $204.00/hour | $125.00/hour | 40% |
Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary by region.
STATISTICS
A survey conducted by the legal web site FindLaw found that only 44.4% of American adults currently have a will; 53.3% said they do not have a will, while 2.2% did not know or had no response.
- FindLaw survey, Most Americans Still Don't Have a Will, August, 2002
Nearly one out of every five Americans faced a legal issue within the last year.
- FindLaw survey, One in Five Americans Faced a Legal Issue in the Past Year, August, 2002
The top five legal issues faced by Americans during the last year are:
- Real Estate (buying/selling, property disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, etc.) at 21%
- Family Law (divorce, child custody, etc.) at 17%
- Estate Planning (wills, trust, settling of estates, etc.) at 12%
- Personal Injury at 11%
- Traffic Violations at 8%
- FindLaw survey, One in Five Americans Faced a Legal Issue in the Past Year, August, 2002
Personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death filings accounted for 77,205 cases in California alone between 2000 and 2001.
- Judicial Court of California, 2002 Court Statistics Report
1,539,111 non-business bankruptcy cases were filed in 2002, accounting for 97.6% of all 2002 bankruptcies.
- Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Record Breaking Bankruptcy Filings Reported in Calendar Year 2002, 2/14/2003.
The average hourly rate of attorneys in the state of Texas was $197 in 2000.
- State Bar of Texas Department of Research and Analysis 2001 Hourly Rate Report
LEGAL CARE DIRECT FAQ
Q. Can members change attorneys, for whatever reason?
A. Yes, at any time, for whatever reason and as often as needed. Members are not restricted in any way. Simply call the toll-free number on the back of the membership card for a new referral to a participating attorney anytime.
Q. What happens if a member moves to another part of the country?
A. The member should call the toll-free number on the back of the membership card and he/she will be assigned to another network attorney. With a network of thousands of attorneys in all 50 States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, members will always have their legal needs taken care of.
Q. What is excluded or not eligible under the plan?
A. Nothing. Since the plan is not an insurance policy, there are no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, waiting periods or usage limitations. All areas of law are eligible for the discounts; including but not limited to, simple traffic offenses to more complicated custody, criminal and civil suits.
Q. What are some of the benefits?
A. As a plan member, the attorney will provide:
- Nine free services, such as the preparation of a simple will (along with annual updates), unlimited consultation per new legal matter, review of important legal documents per new legal matter (six page max.) and many others.
- Eight deeply discounted services, such as $275 for a simple divorce, $750 for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, $250for a real estate closing, to name just a few.
- All extended service and in-court representation is available for $125.00 per hour, or 40% off the usual and customary hourly rate. This is a tremendous savings over the national average of $210 per hour.
- Contingency fees (if any) are at a 10% reduction of the state's maximum rate, or the attorney's usual rate, whichever is lower.
Q. Are family members eligible to receive these services?
A. Yes. This benefit may be used by members, their spouse or domestic partner, dependent children under the age of 25 and any dependent individuals residing in the member's household such as a parent or grandparent.
Q. Why are legal services needed?
A. Attorneys are needed in various cases, including:
- If the member is married and/or has children but does not have a will
- When buying a home
- When contemplating divorce
- When dealing with child custody issues
- When confronted with overwhelming debt
- To review any lease or rental agreement