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NEW! LegalEASE Attorney Matching Portal LegalEASE is expanding our online solution options to members. Introducing the newest online self-service portal, LAMP. Now available to access. Learn more |
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Benefits Proudly Offered to Kern Hospital Employees
Be fully prepared and confident
with LegalEASE
Learn about legal benefits, a smart option for your protection.
LegalEASE 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 LegalEASE, 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 LegalEASE member saves you time and costly legal fees. But most importantly, it gives you confidence and provides coverage for common legal matters.
With a LegalEASE 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. LegalEASE provides coverage for your specific legal matter so you won't be caught off guard.
Protect your family’s future, with LegalEASE.
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 LegalEASE Plan. LegalEASE 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 LegalEASE 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.
- 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. Many of the below areas are fully covered in-network.
Plan Cost
The LegalGUARD Plan is only $13.02 monthly, via payroll deduction.
Who's Covered?
The Member’s spouse or domestic partner 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 |
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Advice and Consultation |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
LegalEASE Helpline |
Paid in Fulll |
N/A |
Law Office Consultation1 (One hour per calendar quarter) |
Paid in Full |
$60/Consultation |
Review of Simple Documents1 - up to 6 Pages |
Paid in Full |
$60 |
Miscellaneous Law Office Services |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Miscellaneous Law Office Services4 |
25% Discount on Plan Attorney's Hourly Rates | N/A |
Consumer |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Document Preparation:
|
Paid in Full |
|
Consumer Dispute2 |
Paid in Full subject to Managed Case Rules |
$60 |
Small Claims Court Reprsentation1 |
Paid in Full up to 2 Hours |
$120 |
Identity Theft Defense2 |
Paid in Full subject to Managed Case Rules | N/A |
Wills and Estate |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Simple Will or Codicil for:
|
Paid in Full |
$90 |
Complex Will4 |
25% Discount | $N/A |
Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney |
Paid in Full |
$40 |
Probate of Small Estate1 |
Paid in Full up to 2 Hours |
$120 |
Home and Residential Matters |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Purchase of Primary Residence |
Paid in Full | $500 |
Sale of Primary Residence |
Paid in Full | $500 |
Tenant Dispute2 |
$2,000 maximum Subject to Managed Case Rules |
$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 Defense2 |
Paid in Full subject to Managed Case Rules |
$120 |
Debt Collection Defense: Trial Defense2 |
$700 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules |
$480 maximum Subject to Managed Case Rules |
Foreclosure2 |
$480 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules |
$450 maximum Subject to Managed Case Rules |
Tax Audit2 |
$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules |
$1,450 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules |
Civil |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Civil Litigation Defense2 |
$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules |
$2,000 maximum subject to Managed Case Rules |
Family |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Name Change |
Paid in Full |
$200 |
Guardianship/Conservatorship2 |
Paid in Full |
$400 |
Governmental Agency Adoptions2 |
Paid in Full |
$300 |
Stepparent Adoptions2 |
Uncontested: Paid in Full |
$300 |
Juvenile Court Proceedings2 |
Paid in Full subject to Managed Case Rules |
$375 |
Criminal |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
|
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Traffic Defense (Resulting in Suspension or Revocation of License)2 |
Paid in Full subject to Managed Case Rules |
$500 |
Administrative Proceeding (Resulting in Suspension or Revocation of License)2 |
Paid in Full subject to Managed Case Rules |
$250 |
Additional Benifits |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Participating Attorney |
LegalGUARD Plan Coverage Non-Participating Attorney |
Financial Advisor3 |
Included |
Not Applicable |
Elder Law3 |
Included | Not Applicable |
Mediation3 |
Included |
Not Applicable |
1Some limitations may apply.
2Subject to managed case rules.
3Additional benefits
4Discounted Rate
Managed Case Rules require the following:
- Member and/or 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 Family Member.
Definitions
Definitions
Covered Services
Advice and Consultation
LegalEASE Helpline: 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, except those specifically excluded.
Financial Helpline: Consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters, or any personal financial planning question.
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. See Miscellaneous Law Office Services.
Miscellaneous Law Office Services: Benefits not specifically covered or excluded hereunder to be provided at an amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to Managed Case Rules.
Review of Simple Document: The Plan 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.
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.
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.
This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Will and Codicil Preparation : Preparation of one simple will or codicil (an amendment to an existing will) for the Member and spouse only, including the preparation of a simple testamentary support trust for the dependent children:
Simple Will Preparation: Plan Attorney shall prepare a simple will or codicil for Member and Family Member and discuss the legal requirements for signing the will. A simple will or codicil may be prepared for Family Member at an additional cost as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
Complex Will Preparation: Plan Attorney shall prepare a complex will or codicil for Member or Family Member at a discounted fee paid directly to the attorney as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney: Preparation of living will and/or health care power of attorney for Member and/or 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.
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.
Real Estate Sale, Purchase of Primary Residence: The services of an attorney for the purchase, sale 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 one closing per year and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits.
Landlord/Tenant Disputes: Representation of the Member and/or Family Member as a tenant in a dispute with his/her landlord.
This benefit is limited to one use per year and is subject to Managed Case Rules.
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. Trial defense benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules.
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 and is subject to Managed Case Rules.
Tax Audits: 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 and is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. This benefit is subject to Managed Case Rules.
Separation, Divorce, Annulment: Legal representation of the Member only for up to 10 hours 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 10 hours; the Member must pay the attorney’s fee for services in excess of 10 hours; (2) services relative to post-decree representation; or, (3) 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 (5) 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 only. This benefit is subject to a waiting period, if any, as shown in the Schedule of Benefits. Contested divorce is subject to the Managed Case Rules.
Name Change: Services required to accomplish a legal name change for a Member or Family Member.
This benefit is limited to one use per year.
Obtaining Services
Telephone Advice and Consultation on Legal and Financial Matters: Consultation by toll-free telephone with an attorney. Services are available during normal business hours. Calls can relate to any personal legal matter, civil or criminal, except those specifically excluded herein.
Financial Helpline: Consultation by toll-free telephone during normal business hours. Calls can relate to investment strategies, debt matters, or any personal financial planning question.
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.
Network
- 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
- 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
We are here to serve you...
We believe people deserve to have a sense of safety and security, a peace of mind, when it comes to being protected in legal matters that they may not be the experts in. To have access to legal professionals that can ease and solve their legal burdens. We are here to serve you.
How we do it is by providing an in-depth pool of resources to accommodate all your legal needs. Legal Access and LegalEASE have broad experiences with employees in small, medium and large companies in the public and private sectors, local, state and federal government offices, unions, employee assistance plans, work-life companies, and organizations, when it comes to solving your legal matters.
What we do is provide value by creating unparalleled access to a network of skilled attorneys to cover your legal needs with options in convenient plans. We are a diversified employee benefits company engaged in administration, network development, technology management and insurance, based in Houston, Texas. Since 1971, we have grown from five attorneys in Los Angeles providing services to a modest amount of companies into a company with the strongest attorney network across America. We provide assistance to members over half of a million times each year throughout the United States and the world.
Legal Access Companies consists of several companies and brands to best meet customer needs, including but not limited to: Legal Plans USA, Legal Access Plans, LegalEASE, and LAMG. Legal Access Plans has a wide array of products across several market segements, including worksite, employee assistance and worklife. LegalEASE is the group's primary insurance brand and focuses primarily in the worksite market. LegalEASE products are underwritten and presented by Virginia Surety Company, part of the Warranty Group.