How to Join a Pre-Paid Legal Plan

Legal help can be expensive. Many people who find themselves in need of legal assistance have other expenses that must be met as well and, as a result, they feel unable to afford quality legal help. They worry that they must look for the least expensive attorney that they can find. There is an alternative, however.Pre-paid legal services are growing in popularity. They allow individuals to pay into a fund that will be used to cover their legal expenses should they find themselves in need of an attorney. The plans vary in cost and terms, so it's important that you know how to find the right plan for your needs.

Instructions

1. Before you can join a pre-paid legal plan, you need to find a plan to join. Consult your local telephone directory, newspapers, or an online search in order to find attorneys in your area who offer pre-paid legal services or pre-paid service plans which are available in your state.

2. Review the information that is available concerning the plans that you are considering. Compare terms and prices to see which plan offers the best deal. Things to consider closely when you are evaluating a plan include: any extra fees that are associated with the plan, the amount that will have to be included in each payment, the frequency with which you'll have to make payments, and any restrictions on what the plan in question can be used for. You should also make sure that you know the conditions under which you or the pre-paid legal plan provider can cancel your membership. If there is a cancellation, know what amount, if any, of money will be refunded.

3. If you want to join a plan that includes a particular attorney, make sure that the attorney of your choice will accept the payment from your pre-paid legal plan. Feel free to contact one or more attorneys in your area before choosing a plan to make sure that you'll have options available should you need legal assistance.

4. After you've found the best pre-paid legal plan for your needs and budget (and have confirmed that you can use it in your area should the need arise), fill out the application form and make your initial payment. You should receive your membership information within a matter of weeks. Keep this in a safe place in case you find yourself needing to contact the plan or a lawyer on short notice.

Tips & Warnings

• Check and see if your pre-paid legal service plan allows for reduced rates or other benefits after you have been a member for a set period of time.

• Always research pre-paid legal service plan providers before signing up with them, and never choose a plan that you heard about through unsolicited spam email. As with many popular services, scammers have begun emulating pre-paid legal services and sending out spam messages in order to try scam money illegally. Buyer beware!