Frequently Asked Questions
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, although it there may be some times in litigation matters where either the court may restrict the change of attorneys or where it may not make strategic sense. We defer to the attorneys' advice in these situations. If you need a new attorney simply call the toll-free number and ask your Personal Assistance Specialist [PAS] for help and assistance for a new referral to a participating attorney anytime.
Q. What happens if a member moves to another part of the country?
A. Any Plan Member is entitled to a new attorney in the plan if they move and they should call the toll-free number and ask your Personal Assistance Specialist [PAS] for help and assistance for a new referral to a participating attorney anytime. 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. However, if you have commenced a legal matter before moving, you may want to retain the services of the original attorney and have a new attorney in your new location assist you in communicating with the existing attorney.
Q. What is excluded or not eligible under the plan?
A. Every general legal matter that a Plan member is likely to come in contact with is covered under the plan. However, there are few items that are outside the Plan's coverage such as appeals and sophisticated tax and/or business issues. We have provided a full Plan Document that explains any and all limitations or exclusions. Also, since the plan is not an insurance policy, there are no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or waiting periods.
Q. What are some of the benefits?
A. We have provided a full Plan Document that explains any and all benefits, coverages, limitations or exclusions. As a plan member, here are some of the services you might likely use under the Plan:
- Several free services, such as the preparation of a simple will (along with annual updates), unlimited consultation per new legal matter, and a review of important legal documents per new legal matter (six page max.) and many others.
- Several special Plan discounted services, including $275 for a simple divorce, $750 for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, $250 for a real estate closing, to name just a few.
- All covered services that do not have a free or special discounted benefit will be provided under the Plan by Plan Attorneys at the discounted hourly rate of 25% off the attorney's normal hourly rate they charge to non-Plan members. This is a terrific savings over the high cost of attorneys' fees.
- 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.
Your Family Protection Plus Plan actually extends coverage for every benefit under the Plan to the Elder Parents of both the Plan Member and covered Spouse, no matter where the Elder Parents live.
