Legal services have essentially been outsourced for centuries. There’s a saying that the person that represents themselves in legal matters has a fool for a client. The change is past years has to do more with the prepackaging of legal systems, and the elimination of geographic boundaries. Common legal documents are now pre-packaged. You aren’t limited to using the lawyer down the street for your legal issues. There are also legal subscription services that you can take advantage of.
With so many issues that require legal documents and / or advice and the rising cost of these matters, legal subscription services have become a more popular and affordable option for people and families’ portfolios of coverage. Many consumers find that they are able to access legal services when needed at an affordable price. Legal plans work much like various insurance you may have. You pay a monthly fee (some companies offer quarterly and annual options) and can use the various benefits they offer. Common services include wills, reviewing legal documents, legal letters, tax help, and traffic violations.
Some of the top legal service providers are Rocket Lawyer, LegalZoom and LegalShield. Highlights of each include:
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer offers monthly and annual rates that are $39.99 and $399.95 respectively. They offer “a free 30-minute consultation per new legal matter, six general document reviews per year, 40 percent off network attorneys’ hourly rates and the ability to ask two questions of attorneys online.” Members are have access to Rocket Lawyer’s vast library of forms and documents.
LegalZoom
With LegalZoom, members select specific legal plan based on their needs. They include subscriptions as mentioned before, and others are one-time services. Those services can include business, wills and trusts, intellectual property and patent issues. You can cancel LegalZoom’s subscription plans at any time. Members without subscriptions can also access specific online services.
LegalShield
James Rosseau, executive vice president and Chief Commercial Officer of LegalShield explains how their service works. “LegalShield is to legal what HMO plans are to medical. By a person paying a monthly fee of just under $25 they have unlimited access to a law firm in their state.”
LegalShield allows members to choose one law firm that handles their various needs. Members can also take advantage of a mobile app which enables emergency, real-time access to a lawyer day or night.
As with any kind of insurance or service (especially when needing legal help) consumers need to do their due diligence and be sure they understand exactly what their plans will do for them. It’s important to understand that even covered benefits have limits. For example, attorneys may only answer a specific numbers of questions per month and documents updated annually. Wills are usually free for the member. There is a charge for a spouse or other person who needs a will.
It is also important to study what current insurance policies cover. For example, your auto insurance or homeowners insurance may cover various legal issues that arise in those situations where applicable.
When studied carefully and all fine print understood, legal plans and their features, along with access to legal documents that can be “DIY” can be an affordable way for peace of mind.
