City of Boulder

Welcome

Benefits Proudly Offered to City of Boulder Employees

Be fully prepared and confident

with LegalGUARD

Learn about legal insurance, a smart option for your protection.

Product Presented By: Nationwide^® Product Administered By: LegalEASE

LegalGUARD can help ease the two biggest stresses -finding and paying for an attorney.

Nobody likes to be caught off guard, especially when it comes to legal matters. Life can be complicated. Finding a good attorney doesn’t have to be. With LegalGUARD, it’s easy to choose the best attorney, because you get assistance from highly trained and qualified personal specialists who review the details of local attorneys and help you find your best source for legal advice. Being a LegalGUARD member saves you time and costly legal fees. But most importantly, it gives you confidence and provides coverage for common legal matters.

With a LegalGUARD plan, you get:

An attorney with expertise specific to your legal matter
Access to a national network of attorneys with exceptional experience that are matched to meet your needs
Coverage for in and out-of-network
Concierge help finding a better attorney and navigating common individual or family legal issues
Hours of financial counseling and coaching

We all make some sort of plan in life. But have you ever considered the possibility of a legal problem?

You've graduated from college and are planning for your future - where to get hired, which company will put you on the path to success. Whether to be single or date or settle down, and with the right person. Legal problems can be unexpected and interrupt your plans. LegalGUARD provides coverage for your specific legal matter so you won't be caught off guard.

Protect your family’s future, with LegalGUARD.

You work hard to make the right choices for your loved ones, especially when it comes to legal and financial matters. Get the peace of mind you want and the protection you need with a LegalGUARD Plan. LegalGUARD offers valuable benefits to shield your family and savings from unexpected legal issues.

According to the American Bar Association, more than 70 percent of U.S. households will have the need for a lawyer in the next 12 months. And the same study found most consumers feel uncertain about how to tell a good lawyer from a bad one. With LegalGUARD you have access to a national network of credentialed attorneys and the help you need to find the best attorney for your legal matter with its concierge service.

Coverage

The value of a LegalGUARD Plan.

Being a LegalGUARD member saves you time and costly legal fees. But most importantly, it gives you confidence and provides coverage for:

Home and Residential
Financial and Money Matters
Consumer
Auto and Driving
Family and Personal
Civil Lawsuits
Estate planning and wills
Elder Law

LegalGUARD Plan Coverage

Benefits are designed to meet the typical needs of an employee and their family. There are no deductibles to worry about for covered services. Benefits cover the attorney’s time. Other costs such as filing fees or court costs are not covered. Listed below are the types of matters that are covered by the LegalGUARD Plan. This plan offers the convenience of in-network and out-of-network benefits.

Plan Cost

The LegalGUARD Plan is only $17.90 per month, via payroll deduction.

Who's Covered?

The Member’s spouse and Member’s unmarried dependent children, including stepchildren, legally adopted children, children placed in the home for adoption and foster children, up to age 19, and from age 19 up to 25 years if they are enrolled in an accredited school or college as full-time student(s) and are primarily dependent upon the Member for support.

SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
Advice and Consultation	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
LegalEASE Helpline	Covered	N/A
Law Office Consultation¹ - One Hour per Calendar Quarter	Covered	N/A
Review of Simple Documents¹ - Up to 6 Pages	Covered	N/A
Miscellaneous Law Office Services	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Legal Services for any non-excluded legal matter not specifically covered in the Schedule of Benefits	25% discount on Participating Attorney's hourly rates	N/A
Consumer Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
DOCUMENT PREPARATION: Simple Deed Promissory Note Consumer Dispute Correspondence Installment Sales Agreement Simple Affidavit General Power of Attorney Covered Family Member Lease Agreement - Tenant Only Timeshare Agreement	Paid in Full	$65 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60/document $60/Covered Family Member Document $65 $60
Consumer Dispute	Paid in Full	$300
Small Claims Court Representation¹	Paid in Full up to 2 Hours	$120
Estate Planning	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Simple Will or Codicil for: Member Covered Spouse Covered Family Member	Paid in Full	$90
Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney	Paid in Full	$55
Living Trust Document	Paid in Full	$320
Probate of Small Estate¹	Paid in Full up to 2 Hours	$120
Residential Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Purchase of Primary Residence	Paid in Full	$420
Sale of Primary Residence	Paid in Full	$350
Refinancing of Primary Residence	Paid in Full	$180
Tenant Dispute	Paid in Full	$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules
Financial Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Debt Collection Defense: Pre-Litigation Defense	Paid in Full	$225
Debt Collection Defense: Trial Defense	Paid in Full	$480
Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 or 13	Paid in Full	$850
Foreclosure	Paid in Full	$510
Tax Audit	Paid in Full	$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules
Civil Litigation Defense	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Civil Litigation Defense	Paid in Full	$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules
Family Matters	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Uncontested Separation¹	Paid in Full up to 10 Hours	$600
Consent/Default Divorce¹	Paid in Full up to 10 Hours	$600
Uncontested Divorce¹	Paid in Full up to 10 Hours	$600
Contested Divorce^1,2	$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules	$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules
Prenuptial Agreement⁴	Flat Fee: $239	N/A
Name Change	Paid in Full	$255
Uncontested Guardianship/Conservatorship¹	Paid in Full	$425
Uncontested Governmental Agency Adoptions¹	Paid in Full	$350
Uncontested Stepparent Adoptions¹	Paid in Full	$350
Juvenile court proceedings	Paid in Full	$500
Criminal Defense	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Traffic Ticket Defense⁴	Flat Rate: $89	N/A
Serious Traffic Matters (Resulting in Suspension or Revocation of License)	Paid in Full	$450
Administrative Proceeding (Regarding Suspension or Revocation of License)	Paid in Full	$300
Additional Benefits	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney	LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney
Identity Theft Recovery Assitance³	Included	Not Applicable
Financial Advisor³	Included	Not Applicable
Immigration Services³	Included	Not Applicable
Mediation³	Included	Not Applicable
Elder Law³	Included	Not Applicable

¹Limitations apply

²Subject to Managed Case Rules

³Additional Benefits

⁴Discounted Rates or Flat Fees

Managed Case Rules require the following:

Member and/or Covered Family Member must secure a confirmation letter from the Member Service Center prior to proceeding with an attorney.
The attorney must provide a written estimate of fees reflecting his or her best judgment as to the likely conduct of the case.
We will set a maximum attorney fee that takes into account the reasonable level of reimbursement of the proceeding and the proposed litigation strategy. Fees as a result of services in excess of the maximum attorney fee are the responsibility of the Member and/or Covered Family Member.

Exclusions

This Policy excludes benefits for the following:

Appellate court proceedings, class actions, interventions, derivative action and amicus curiae filings.

The preparation and filing of individual, partnership or estate tax returns, appellate or administrative proceedings related to tax returns, litigation before the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Claims or any other federal, state or other courts with respect to tax matters.

Matters relating to securities, trademark or patent matters; business or commercial interests, including, but not limited to, professional, partnership and/or corporate matters; matters involving the law or laws of jurisdictions other than the United States and its territories except as specifically described under Covered Services; any matters involving a government (domestic or foreign) entity or agency except as specifically described under Covered Services; farm related issues; matters involving commercial or rental property transactions, including the purchase, sale or lease of investment or income-producing property. A two-family house, whether or not used by the Member as his or her primary residence, is deemed an investment or income-producing property.

Legal services that are fully paid for or provided at no cost by any governmental agency, organization or insurance company.

Matters that the attorney deems frivolous, spurious, harassing, or unethical (collectively referred to as “frivolous”) or otherwise prohibited by the Model Rules of Professional Conduct of the state in which the attorney is licensed.

Costs associated with covered legal services, including but not limited to, all fines, court costs, penalties, sanctions, expert witness fees, bonds, bail bonds, attorney fees, exhibits, deposition costs, filing fees, transcripts, postage, telephone, photocopying, recording fees, messengers, judgments, jury fees, court reporter fees, investigative costs and all other incidental and out-of-pocket legal and litigation costs.

Any services on behalf of a Covered Family Member against the interests of the Member.

Any employment-related matter. This includes, but is not limited to, any dispute involving the Member’s employer or its affiliates, their officers or directors, the Member’s employee benefit plans, credit unions, programs or arrangements sponsored by an employer, or cases involving workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, sex harassment, age discrimination, etc.

Any dispute or proceeding against the following persons or entities, their officers, directors, employees, or agents: any person or entity involved in the sale, marketing, administration or other processes related to this Policy; Legal Plan Administrator or its subsidiaries; Claims Administrator or its subsidiaries; Policyholder; Member’s employer; Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and it’s parents, subsidiaries or any affiliated or successor company, plan underwriter or reinsurer; Plan Sponsor; or any Participating and/or Non-Participating Attorney, if the dispute or proceeding pertains to services provided under the Policy.

The Policy will not provide benefits in connection with pre-existing matters, which includes any matter where the Member and/or Covered Family Member is on notice as to a pending legal dispute or has previously contacted an attorney, except when prior coverage under another Legal Plan provided by the Policyholder can be demonstrated.

Where there are specific hours or dollar amounts provide in this Policy, or where a maximum is set under the Managed Case Rules, the Member will be responsible for all attorney fees incurred over the maximum. Additional exclusions related to each benefit are included in the Covered Services.

Definitions

Definitions

“CONTRACTHOLDER” - means the organization named in the declarations page.

“CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR” - means Co-ordinated Benefit Plans, LLC; or its subsidiary.

“COMPLEX WILL” - means the Member has a significant net worth and will benefit from tax planning, or the estate is subject to current state or federal estate taxation; or the Member owns a business that will continue in operation after death; or the Member wants to put restrictions on what heirs may do with the property; or the Member wants to leave money to someone in a trust because the person cannot manage his or her own affairs (such as a mentally handicapped child), or wants the property to be managed by a trustee for a period of time past the child’s age of majority, to age 25 or 30, for example; or the Member thinks that someone will challenge the will; or the Member wants to exclude any lawful dependents.

“CONTESTED DIVORCE” - refers to a divorce proceeding that requires more than 5 hours of attorney time, involves disputed issues and both parties are represented by an attorney.

“COVERED FAMILY MEMBER” – means the Member’s spouse and Member’s unmarried dependent children, including stepchildren, legally adopted children, children placed in the home for adoption and foster children, up to age 19, and from age 19 up to 25 years if they are enrolled in an accredited school or college as full-time student(s) and are primarily dependent upon the Member for support.

“COVERED SPOUSE” - means the Member’s lawful spouse at the time the policy is in effect.

“EFFECTIVE DATE” - means the date a Member’s coverage hereunder begins.

“LEGAL PLAN ADMINISTRATOR” – LegalEASE, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and/or agents, including third party organizations and their affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and/or agents, hired by LegalEASE to perform services under this Policy.

“MEMBER” - refers to the individual who is associated with the Policyholder and/or Plan Sponsor and who has paid or a premium has been paid on his/her behalf and who meets the eligibility requirements for Covered Services as defined by the Policyholder.

“MEMBER SERVICE CENTER” - means the service location established to help make full use of the Policy.

“NON-PARTICIPATING ATTORNEY” - means an attorney not retained by Legal Plan Administrator who is selected and paid by the Member to provide services covered under the Policy up to the maximum amount as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

“PAID IN FULL” - means complete payment to a Participating Attorney for covered legal services.

“PARTICIPATING ATTORNEY” - means an attorney retained by the Legal Plan Administrator to provide covered legal services at the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

“PLAN SPONSOR” - means an organization other than the Policyholder which makes coverage hereunder available.

“POLICYHOLDER” - means the organization named in the declarations page.

“WE”, “US”, “OUR” AND “COMPANY” - means the name of the underwriter indicated on the declarations page of this Policy.

Covered Services

In consideration of payment and receipt by Us of the applicable premium, all Covered Services are available to a Member and all Covered Family Members. Except as noted below, the following Covered Services are provided to the Member when the Member uses a Participating Attorney. The Schedule of Benefits chart shows the reimbursement schedule when the Member uses a Non-Participating Attorney.

Advice and Consultation

LegalEASE Helpline: Advice and consultation by telephone with a Participating Attorney. Services are available during normal business hours. Calls can relate to any personal legal matter, civil or criminal, except those specifically excluded.

Initial Law Office Consultation: Up to the maximum as shown in the Schedule of Benefits for office consultations with a Participating Attorney on any personal legal problem, civil or criminal, except those specifically excluded.

Review of Simple Documents: The Participating Attorney will verbally explain the meaning or impact of any form or document, or make suggestions for changes to a form or document being drafted of up to the maximum number of pages as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit does not include a written analysis of any form or document.

Miscellaneous Law Office Services

Legal Services for any Non-Excluded Legal Matter: This benefit will cover any legal services needed by the Member or Covered Family Member for review or preparation of documents, or any other service required on any legal matters not listed as a covered benefit or exclusion under this Contract.

Consumer Matters

Document Preparation: Preparation of any of the following documents: simple deed (excluding those reviewed or prepared under the real estate benefit), promissory note, consumer dispute correspondence, installment sales agreement, general power of attorney, lease agreement (tenant only), time share agreement, and simple affidavit.

This benefit is limited to one use per year per document, except general power of attorney, which is limited to one use per year per Covered Family Member.

Consumer Dispute: Consultation or representation in a dispute relating to consumer goods and services (not involving real estate construction, landlord/tenant disputes or renovation).

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Small Claims Court Representation: Consultation and/or representation for a consumer dispute filed in small claims court. (Attorney may not be permitted to attend court hearings in some jurisdictions).

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Estate Planning

Will or Codicil Preparation: Preparation of one simple will or codicil (an amendment to an existing will) for the Member and/or Covered Family Member, including the preparation of a simple testamentary support trust for the dependent children:

Simple Will Preparation: Participating Attorney shall prepare a simple will or codicil for Member and/or Covered Family Member and discuss the legal requirements for signing the will.

This benefit is limited to one use per year per Member/Covered Family Member.

Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney: Preparation of living will and/or health care power of attorney for Member and/or Covered Family Member as authorized by state law. A living will expresses an individual’s wishes as to the use or withdrawal of life support systems. A health care power of attorney appoints another to make medical decisions if the individual is unable to do so him/her self.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Living Trust Document: Preparation of living trust documents. This benefit does not include services related to transactions to fund the trust or transfer assets into it. This benefit does not include tax planning or tax advice related to the trust or the Member’s situation before and after the trust is prepared.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Probate of Small Estate: The service of an attorney for the probate of a small estate (an estate that is not subject to current state or federal estate taxation) up to the maximum as shown in Schedule of Benefits.

Residential Matters

Real Estate Sale, Purchase or Refinancing of Primary Residence: The services of an attorney for the purchase, sale, or refinancing of a Member’s primary residence (where Member has resided or intends to reside for twenty-seven (27) weeks or more per year). This service includes the review or preparation of closing documents and/or attendance by the Member’s attorney at closing in situations when it is customary to do so. This benefit does not include services performed by or for a title company, or for an attorney acting on behalf of a lending institution. Home equity loans and the sale or purchase of unimproved or rental properties are not included.

This benefit is limited to two closings per year.

Tenant Dispute: Representation of the Member and/or Covered Family Member as a tenant in a dispute with his/her landlord.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Financial Matters

Debt Collection Defense: The defense of any dispute involving personal (non-business related) debt. This benefit includes correspondence, negotiating with creditors to arrange a repayment schedule, assistance in limiting harassment by bill collectors, and negotiating settlement after a complaint is filed. This service does not include defense against execution of a court-ordered judgment or efforts to vacate or set aside a judgment.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Bankruptcy: Representation on behalf of the Member and/or Covered Family Member for personal (non-business related) bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7 or 13 of the Internal Revenue Code.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Foreclosure: Defense of the Member in an action to foreclose on the Member’s primary residence (where Member has resided or intends to reside twenty-seven (27) weeks or more per year.)

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Tax Audit: Includes the services of an attorney (but not accounting services) during a personal (non-business related) tax audit process required by federal and state tax authorities and negotiations relating to it. This benefit does not include a defense against criminal charges nor the defense of civil tax litigation in any tax court.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Family Matters

Separation, Divorce, Civil Annulment: Legal representation of the Member only for up to the maximum shown on the Schedule of Benefits in an uncontested separation, divorce, civil annulment, consent or default divorce. An uncontested separation, divorce or civil annulment does not involve significant disputed issues and the parties resolve any issues prior to any court supervised proceeding. A consent or default divorce does not involve any disputed issues and the opposing party is not represented by counsel. The benefit for uncontested matters does not provide any coverage of an attorney’s fee for: (1) services in excess of the maximum shown on the Schedule of Benefits; the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services in excess of the maximum; or, (2) contested matters in which case the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services, unless this Policy provides coverage of contested matters and the benefit shall be in accordance with the Schedule of Benefits. A contested separation, divorce or civil annulment requires more than five hours of attorney time, involves disputed issues and both parties are represented by an attorney.

This benefit is limited to one use per year (representation seeking or defending against interim or subsequent-to-decree order shall constitute a separate use) and applies to the Member and Covered Family Members only for actions not involving the Member as an opposing party.

Name Change: Services required to accomplish a legal name change for a Member and/or Covered Family Member.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Guardianship/Conservatorship: Services required to establish a Member and/or Covered Family Member as the guardian(s) or conservator(s) of another. This benefit does not include fees for a court –appointed attorney for the child/conservatee.This benefit does not include contested matters.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Government Agency/Stepparent Adoption: Legal representation for a Member and/or Covered Family Member of up to the maximum shown in the Schedule of Benefits in an uncontested governmental agency or stepparent adoption. An uncontested adoption does not involve significant disputed issues. This benefit does not include: (1) contested termination of parental rights; (2) fees for a court-appointed attorney for the child; or (3) adoptions(s) made through any agency other than a governmental agency. A contested adoption requires more than five hours of attorney time and involves disputed issues. If the amount of an attorney’s time for uncontested adoption exceeds the maximum shown in the Schedule of Benefits, or if the adoption becomes contested, coverage will terminate and the Member and/or Covered Family Member will be responsible for any additional legal fees.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Juvenile Court Matters: Services related to the representation of the dependent child of a Member in any juvenile court proceeding, provided the child’s interest is not in conflict with the Member’s and/or Covered Family Member’s interest. This benefit does not cover any matter that falls outside the jurisdiction of juvenile court or any matter that may be considered a felony.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Civil Litigation Defense

Civil Litigation Defense: Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Covered Family Member who is a named defendant in a civil lawsuit (non-business related), up to and including the trial thereof. This benefit does not include: (1) any debt collection or family law matters; (2) lawsuits normally handled on a contingent fee basis; or (3) matters for which the Member/Covered Family Member has or is required by law to have insurance.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Criminal Defense

Serious Traffic Matters: Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Covered Family Member who is charged by governing authorities with moving traffic violation(s) and conviction could result in suspension or revocation of Member’s and/or Covered Family Member’s drivers’ license. This benefit does not cover violations related to a commercial driver’s license.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Administrative Proceeding: Services related to the representation of a Member and/or Covered Family Member in an administrative proceeding relating to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. This benefit does not cover suspension or revocation of a commercial driver’s license.

This benefit is limited to one use per year.

Covered Services Endorsement

The Effective Date of this endorsement is the Effective Date of the Family Advisor Contract/Certificate to which this endorsement is attached. This endorsement is made a part of the Family Advisor Contract/Certificate to which it is attached. This endorsement is subject to all of the provisions and limitations of the Family Advisor Contract/Certificate. If there is a conflict between the Family Advisor Contract/Certificate and the endorsement, the terms of the endorsement will govern.

The following is a list of Covered Services available, in addition to the services described in your Family Advisor Contract/Certificate of Coverage.

Financial Advisor

Financial Helpline: Consultation with legal or financial professionals by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters, or any personal financial planning question.

Legal Protection Plan

The following Covered Services are covered at a flat rate or discount as shown below, when performed by a Participating Attorney.

Traffic Ticket Defense Flat Rate of $89: Traffic defense generally includes the preparation of court documents and attendance at on a one-time only court hearing to settle the issue. Does not include court costs, fines, additional hearings or other related expenses. Does not apply in jurisdictions that consider traffic offenses to be criminal matters.

Preparation of Prenuptial Agreement Flat Rate of $239: This service covers the preparation of an agreement by a Plan Member and his or her fiancé/partner prior to their marriage or legal union (where allowed by law), outlining how property is to be divided in the event of separation, divorce or death of a spouse. Representation is provided only to the Plan Member. The fiancé/partner must have separate counsel or must waive representation.

Elder Law

Eligibility of Parents: Parents of the Member and the Member’s Spouse, regardless of age, are eligible for benefits under the Elder Law coverage described herein. Benefits cover Biological Parents, Step-Parents and Adoptive Parents.

Elder Law Benefits

Advice and Consultation

Legal Helpline: Member/Eligible Parent may receive advice and consultation by toll-free telephone with a Plan Attorney. Services are available during normal business hours. Calls can relate to any personal legal matter, civil or criminal.

Financial Helpline: Member/Eligible Parent will receive consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters or any personal financial planning question.

Document Preparation

Simple Will Preparation: Each Eligible Parent, as defined above, may receive one Simple Will per year at no charge. Plan Attorney will prepare the document and discuss the legal requirements for executing the Will. Simple Will means the will maker does not have a significant net worth and will not benefit from tax planning, or the estate is not subject to current state or federal estate taxation; the will maker does not own a business that will continue in operation after death; the will maker does not want to put restrictions on what heirs may do with the property; the will maker does not want to leave money to someone in a trust because the person cannot manage his or her own affairs (such as a mentally handicapped child), or does not want the property to be managed by a trustee for a period of time past the child’s age of majority, to age 25 or 30, for example; the will maker does not think that someone will challenge the will; and/or the will maker does not want to exclude any lawful dependents.

Living Will Preparation: Eligible Parents, as defined above, may request one Living Will per year at no charge. Plan Attorney will prepare the document as authorized by state law and discuss the legal requirements for signing the Living Will. A Living Will expresses an individual’s wishes as to the use or withdrawal of life support systems.

Additional Documents

Additional documents may be prepared for a minimal charge, up to once per year per Eligible Parent, as described above:

Healthcare Directive – $45 fee per document
Financial Power of Attorney – $45 fee per document
Durable Power of Attorney – $45 fee per document
Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney – $45

Any 3 or more of the above documents may be prepared for a package cost of $115 per set.

Mediation

Consultation Services: Members receive one free thirty minute consultation with a licensed mediator every quarter. Topics include: domestic disputes, divorce or child custody proceedings, consumer problems, medical bill, warranties, loan disputes, auto accidents.

Mediation Counseling Assistance: Assistance is available to assist Members with understanding mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Examples of some topics are; charting projected lawsuit expenses, understanding when mediation might work, managing legal expenses in mediation, educational tools to make an informed decision, and advice on selecting mediator or other options. These services are designed to help Members deal with the increase in resolution pace.

Discounted Mediation Services: Member receives a 10% discount on Participating Attorney’s normal mediation fees. This includes hourly rates and flat fees. However, this does not apply to contingency fees.

Identity Theft Recovery Assistance

Coverage includes a basic Identity Theft HelpLine Service as well as a comprehensive Online Identity Theft Prevention and Assistance Service for Member, and Covered Family Members.

Advice and Consultation

Telephone consultations (10 per year) with a Trained Identity Theft Recovery Specialist

Additional Benefits

Personal Recovery Kit – designed to walk a victim of identity theft step-by-step through the process of recovery (designed to be utilized in conjunction with the consultations with the Recovery Specialist).
Recovery Letter preparation by plan attorney – a plan attorney will draft the simple affidavits to submit to specific agencies and organizations needed to establish the theft of your identity and prevent further loss of your identity and credit rating.
Review of necessary recovery legal documents (up to 6 pages each)
Up to $25,000 Expense Reimbursement for Identity Theft Losses That Cannot Be Recovered.

Immigration Assistance

Coverage includes immigration services for up to one Eligible Family Member, as described below, per year. Eligible Family Members include spouse, children up to any age, parents of member and spouse and siblings of member and spouse.

Advice and Consultation: Members receive one office consultation per issue with a Participating Attorney on any personal immigration matter

Review of Immigration Documents: Participating Attorney will review and explain the meaning or impact of any immigration form or document, or make suggestions for changes to a form or document being drafted that is up to six (6) pages.

Preparation for Hearings: Member will receive up to two hours of general preparation for immigration hearings.

Preparation of Documents: Participating Attorney will prepare necessary affidavits and powers of attorney for the Plan Member or Eligible Family Member at no charge.

Obtaining Policy Benefits

Claim for Benefits

Members must call the Member Service Center to confirm eligibility and coverage prior to consulting with any attorney. The Member Service Center will assign a Participating Attorney to provide services relative to the matter. Failure to notify the Member Service Center within thirty (30) days following consultation with an attorney may result in a denial of benefits.
To obtain benefits under the Managed Case Rules:
- Members and/or Covered Family Member must secure a confirmation letter from the Member Service Center prior to proceeding with an attorney.
- The attorney must provide a written estimate of fees reflecting his or her best judgment as to the likely conduct of the case.
- We will set a maximum attorney fee that takes into account the reasonable level of reimbursement for the proceeding and the proposed litigation strategy. Fees as a result of services in excess of the maximum attorney fee are the responsibility of the Member and/or Covered Family Member.
Members actively receiving services under this Policy must remain enrolled and continue to pay premium hereunder. All Policy benefits will be subject to subrogation and coordination of benefit rules.
Upon completion of a Covered Service, the Member and/or Covered Family Member will be required by the Participating Attorney to sign a confirmation of completion. Failure to sign the confirmation may result in denial of the claim and the Member/ Covered Family Member will be responsible for all legal fees.
If the Member and/or Covered Family Member pays for pre-authorized services provided by a Non-Participating Attorney, the Member must submit a reimbursement form (provided by Member Service Center) accompanied by an original itemized bill, proof of payment and supporting documentation sufficient to demonstrate the work completed in the matter within sixty (60) days after incurring the legal fees. Benefits provided to the Member and/or Covered Family Member for Covered Services are subject to the maximum as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.

Disputes Between Member and Covered Family Member

In the event that the Member and one of the Covered Family Members are involved as adversaries in a dispute that is a Covered Service, the Policy will cover the Member only.

If two or more Covered Family Members are involved in a dispute that is otherwise covered under the Policy, the Policy will provide no coverage.

If two Members are involved as adversaries in a dispute that is a Covered Service, the Policy will provide separate coverage for each Member.

Exclusions

General Provisions

Attorney-Client Relationship

All attorneys are subject to the authority of the State Supreme Court and the State Bar of the state where they are licensed to practice. The Member’s relationship with an attorney is privileged and strictly confidential. We will not interfere in the attorney-client relationship, nor in the attorney’s independent exercise of his or her professional judgment. Attorneys are not certified specialists.

The Member shall authorize the Participating Attorney to provide the Legal Plan Administrator with information and supporting documentation on the number and type of services provided to the Member.

By using legal services benefits that are provided under the Policy, the Members agree that neither We, nor the Policyholder, nor any other person involved in the marketing or administration of the Policy, shall have any liability for the acts, errors or omissions of an attorney providing services, in whole or in part, under the Policy.

Non-Participating Attorney Services

If the Member already has an attorney, the Member may prefer to use her/him as a Non-Participating Attorney. To do so, the Member must first contact the Member Service Center and notify the representative of his/her intention to use a Non-Participating Attorney for a Covered Service. The Member Service Center will send the Member a claim form to request reimbursement from the Policy. The Member’s reimbursement will be based on the reimbursement schedule as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. If a Member already has an attorney at the time he/she becomes a Member, the Legal Plan Administrator can offer to negotiate with the attorney on behalf of the Member, but will not guarantee the Plan Discounted Rate will be accepted by the attorney or offered by the Legal Plan Administrator.

Legal Terminology

The Member or Covered Family Member may call the Member Service Center to obtain a definition or explanation of any term used herein.

Coverage Period

The coverage period is automatically renewable upon receipt of appropriate premium unless terminated in accordance with the terms hereof.

Coverage Territory

The coverage territory includes the United States and United States territories.

Premium Refund Provision

In the event that the premium mode is other than monthly and the Policy is terminated or the Member elects to terminate the coverage, a pro-rata premium refund will be made in accordance with the insurance laws of the Policyholder’s state.

Termination and Cancellation of Coverage

Coverage provided to the Member shall terminate upon the first of the following to occur:

Cancellation or termination of this Policy;
If applicable, the Member fails to re-enroll;
The Member is no longer associated with Policyholder; or
The Member fails to remit premium when due, subject to the statutory grace period.

Coverage provided to a Covered Family Member of a Member shall terminate upon the first of the following to occur:

The Member's coverage is cancelled or terminated; or
The family member ceases to qualify as a Covered Family Member as defined.

When coverage for a Member and/or Covered Family Member terminates and a matter is unresolved when coverage terminated, then any further legal work between said Member and/or Covered Family Member and the Participating Attorney shall be outside the scope and coverage of the Policy. The Participating Attorney shall not be obligated to provide any benefits under the Policy and any further legal services shall be based upon an independent and separate fee agreement entered into, if at all, between the former Member and/or Covered Family Member and the attorney. If such an agreement is not entered into, then the Participating Attorney may withdraw from any further representation in accordance with applicable law and State Bar standards.

After this Policy has been in effect for sixty (60) days or more, it may be cancelled for one of the following reasons:

Nonpayment of premium by Policyholder for covered Members;
Policy is obtained through material misrepresentation;
Policyholder violated the material terms and condition of the Policy;
The risk originally accepted has measurably increased;
Loss of reinsurance by the Company;
Continuation of the Policy would be in violation of the law;
Company elects to discontinue underwriting the Policy for this class of risk.

The Company shall provide written notice of cancellation to the Policyholder at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such cancellation. If the Company cancels for non-payment of premium, the Company shall provide written notice of cancellation to the Policyholder at least ten (10) days prior to the effective date of such cancellation. All notices shall state the reason for cancellation. The Policyholder is responsible for notifying the Members of cancellation.

Premium Remittance

The Policyholder shall remit premium to the Company no later than the 10th calendar day following the month for which Policy coverage is provided.

Grace Period

The Policy provides the Policyholder a grace period of thirty-one (31) days after the premium for covered Members’ due date to remit the premium that is due and unpaid. During the grace period, this Policy will continue in effect. If the premium for covered Members remains unpaid at the end of the grace period, the Policy will terminate. Termination will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-second (32nd) day following the due date for which premium for covered Members remains unpaid. The Policyholder shall remain liable for the pro-rata portion of all premiums that accrue for the period this Policy is in effect.

Amendment of the Policy

The Policy may be amended or changed at any time by the Company upon written notice thereof and signed by a duly authorized representative. No agent, broker or sales representative may make any change in this Policy or waive any of its provisions.

Notice of Policy Provisions

Notice to any agent or knowledge possessed by any agent or by any other person shall not effect a waiver or change any part of the Policy or stop Us from asserting any right under the terms of the Policy; nor shall terms of the Policy be waived or changed except as stated above.

Change in Premium

We shall provide the Policyholder written notice within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date of the Policy for any change in premium to be implemented. Any such change shall apply to the Policyholder on the anniversary date of the Policy. The Policyholder is responsible for notifying the Members of the change in premium.

Portability

The Member may continue this insurance by electing the option of portability when the Member no longer qualifies as an employee of the Policyholder or as a Member of the group to which this Policy is issued. The Member must apply for portability within sixty (60) days of this disqualifying event and make arrangements for premium payment. Portability coverage will take effect, subject to payment of the initial premium, as of the date the Member’s coverage under this Policy terminates. Credit will be given for any applicable Waiting Period based upon the number of months coverage was in force for the Member under this Policy.

Policy Conformed to Statute

Any terms of the Policy that are in conflict with the statutes of the jurisdiction where issued, are amended to conform to the statutes.

Assignment of Benefits

The benefits provided under this Policy are not assignable.

Entire Contract

This Policy, including the application and endorsements, if any, constitutes the entire contract of insurance.

Identity Benefit

Identity Theft Recovery Assistance

Personal Recovery Kit – designed to walk a victim of identity theft step-by-step through the process of recovery (designed to be utilized in conjunction with the consultations with the Recovery Specialist).
Recovery Letter preparation by plan attorney – a plan attorney will draft the simple affidavits to submit to specific agencies and organizations needed to establish the theft of your identity and prevent further loss of your identity and credit rating.
Review of necessary recovery legal documents (up to 6 pages each)
Up to $25,000 Expense Reimbursement for Identity Theft Losses That Cannot Be Recovered.

Network

About the Network of Attorneys

When going in for surgery, you don’t want a surgeon that has a poor track record or only a couple years experience. We feel that a legal need is just as important.

Help Focus Infrastructure

When it comes to finding an attorney, an employee can waste days looking for the right one, even with a legal plan. Our process has a Help Focus Infrastructure. We focus on our relationships with our providers to help us help your employees, faster. Our Attorney Match Technology and dialogue with attorneys and members ensures the right help the first time. Matching an employee to the right help expedites solutions while saving time and stress.

Standards and Qualifications

The credentialing standards that we use to vet our providers is the most stringent in the country. We focus on years of experience, insurance and discipline, as well as penalty of perjury submissions with extensive back ground checks.

Under the Provider Network, your employees will receive legal help from professionals with many of these service characteristics:

Experience in the Legal Matter Needed
Quality Time Spent in Consultations
Years of Legal Training and Experience
Up-to-date Legal Training Each Year
Lawyers Who are Service-Oriented
Lawyers Who Have a Solid Local Reputation in their Communities
Exceptional Backgrounds
Years of Courtroom and Trial Experience

Provider Standards of Care

The Network Provider shall strive to provide the highest quality of legal representation and service to Plan Members.

Plan Providers agree to the following:

To comply at all times with the Rules of Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure and the Rules of Professional Conduct applicable to the jurisdiction.
To return member's calls promptly, within one business day, and communicate with members such that a member and the member's family do not voice substantiated concerns over promptness or frequency of your or your firm's communication.
To not enter continuances, adjournments, or the like without the member's comfort and consent.
To not arrange for substitutions or stand-ins unless the member has been previously advised and that the member understands that you remain responsible for the case and to contact you if there is any concern or if proceedings do not go as planned.
To always respect a member, their needs and family.
To maintain a professional office, in staffing and appearance.
To fully explain yourself such that a member has an understanding for the reasons behind your recommendations and suggestions, even if a member may not hire your firm.
To not complete any additional work that will result in a fee to the member, where not covered by the member's plan, until a fee arrangement is fully understood by the member and there is a written agreement.
To help each member individually and ensure that everything you do is in the interest of the member.
To notify LegalEASE if there is or may be the possibility of a conflict of interest or violation of ethical codes.
To notify LegalEASE if there may be a misunderstanding or potential service issue where there may be a complaint without breaking any client confidences.
To direct any grievances or concerns, such as process procedure or billing, to Legal Access and not a member.
To not refer any member to another attorney without the knowledge and consent of Legal Access if you cannot assist.
To take responsibility and uphold the highest standards of customer service delivered by any and all firm staff or employees that have interaction with members.
To communicate and cooperate with LegalEASE on any concern, inquiry or issue and return any communication from Legal Access within one business day.

About

A legal plan backed by a strong partnership.

We believe you deserve to feel prepared and confident when facing a legal matter. Through a strong partnership, Nationwide and LegalEASE offer LegalGUARD, a robust product that protects members when it matters most. We provide an in-depth pool of resources to accommodate your legal needs. And we provie value by creating unparalleled access to a network of skilled attorneys to cover your legal needs with options in convenient plans.

For more than 45 years, LegalEASE has established one of the most comprehensive networks of attorneys in the legal industry. With more than 17,000 participating plan attorneys, LegalEASE specializes in matching attorneys specific to client needs. For more information, visit LegalEASE.

Nationwide partnered with LegalEASE to provide members with solutions that offer support and protection from unexpected legal issues.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; specialty health; pet, motorcycle, boat and farm insurance. For more information, visit Nationwide.com.