Benefits Proudly Offered to Region 10 Employees

Be fully prepared and confident

 with Legal Benefits

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

Product Administered By: LegalEASE

A Legal Benefits Plan can help ease the two biggest stresses -finding and paying for legal expertise when you need it most.

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. LegalGUARD 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 Legal Benefits 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.

The Value of a LegalEASE Plan.

• Home and Residential
• Financial and Money Matters
• Consumer
• Auto and Driving
• Family and Personal 
• Civil Lawsuits
• Estate Planning and Wills
• Elder Law

LegalEASE 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 LegalEASE benefits 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 LegalEASE Plan and LifeLock is only $24.16 per month, 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 26 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. 

* Managed Case Rules require the following:

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. 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

“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.

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

“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 26 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 contract is in effect. 

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

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

“MEMBER” - refers to the individual who is associated with the Contractholder named on the first page of this Certificate of Coverage and who has paid or a fee has been paid on his/her behalf and who meets the eligibility requirements for Covered Services as defined by the Contractholder.

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

“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 Legal Services Contract up to the maximum amount as shown in the Schedule of Services.

“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 Services.

“REIMBURSEMENT ADMINISTRATOR” - means LegalEASE; or its subsidiary.

“WE”, “US”, “OUR” AND “COMPANY” - means the name of the plan provider indicated on the first page of the Certificate of Coverage.

                  COVERED SERVICES

In consideration of payment and receipt by Us of the applicable fee, 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 Services chart shows the reimbursement schedule when the Member uses a Non-Participating Attorney.

 Consumer Matters

Document Preparation:

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

This service 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.

­Life Insurance Claim:

Assistance to Members in securing life insurance proceeds (not including life insurance provided as an employee benefit) when a Member and/or Covered Family Member is a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

This service 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 service 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 service 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 service 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/herself.

                  This service is limited to one use per year.

Living Trust Document:

Preparation of living trust documents.  This service does not include services related to transactions to fund the trust or transfer assets into it. This service 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 service 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 Services.

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 service does not include services performed by or for a title company, or for an attorney acting on behalf of a lending institution. 

This service is limited to one closing per year.

Tenant Dispute:

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

                  This service is limited to one use per year.

Financial Matters

Debt Collection Defense:

The defense of any dispute involving personal (non-business related) debt.  This service 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 service 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 service 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 service 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 service does not include a defense against criminal charges nor the defense of civil tax litigation in any tax court.

This service 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 Services 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 service 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 Services; 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 Legal Services Contract provides coverage of contested matters and the service shall be in accordance with the Schedule of Services.  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 service 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 service is limited to one use per year per Member/Covered Family Member.

Guardianship/Conservatorship:

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

                  This service 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 Services in an uncontested governmental agency or stepparent adoption.  An uncontested adoption does not involve significant disputed issues.  This service 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 Services, 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 service is limited to one use per year.

Juvenile Court Matters:

Services related to the representation of the dependent child of a Member and/or Covered Family 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 service does not cover any matter that falls outside the jurisdiction of juvenile court  or any matter that may be considered a felony.

                  This service 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 service 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 service is limited to one uses 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 service 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 service is limited to one use per year.

Misdemeanor Defense:

Defense of a Member and/or Covered Family Member in connection with criminal misdemeanor charges (not associated with any felony charge). 

This service is limited to one use per year

OBTAINING SERVICES

Reimbursement for Services

1.               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 coverage.

2.               To obtain services 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.

3.               Members actively receiving services under this Legal Services Contract must remain enrolled and continue to pay fees hereunder.  All services will be subject to subrogation and coordination of benefit rules.

4.               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 reimbursement and the Member/ Covered Family Member will be responsible for all legal fees.

5.               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.  Services provided to the Member and/or Covered Family Member for Covered Services are subject to the maximum as shown in the Schedule of Services.

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, only the Member will be covered.

If two or more Covered Family Members are involved in a dispute that is otherwise covered, no coverage will be provided.

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

                  EXCLUSIONS

The following services are excluded:

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 and Canada; 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 the group contract / Certificate of Coverage; Legal Plan Administrator or its subsidiaries; Reimbursement Administrator or its subsidiaries; Contractholder; Member’s employer; Plan Sponsor; or any Participating and/or Non-Participating Attorney, if the dispute or proceeding pertains to services provided under the group contract / Certificate of Coverage.

The Certificate of Coverage will not provide services 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 Contractholder can be demonstrated.

Where there are specific hours or dollar amounts provide in this Schedule of Services, 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 service are included in the Covered Services.

 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 that are provided under this Certificate of Coverage, the Members agree that neither We, nor the Contractholder, nor any other person involved in the marketing or administration of the group contract, shall have any liability for the acts, errors or omissions of an attorney providing services, in whole or in part.

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 form to request reimbursement.  The Member’s reimbursement will be based on the reimbursement schedule as shown in the Schedule of Services. 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 Territory

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

Refund Provision

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

Termination and Cancellation of Coverage

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

a.    Cancellation or termination of the group contract;

b.    If applicable, the Member fails to re-enroll;

c.    The Member is no longer associated with Contractholder; or

d.    The Member fails to remit payment 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:

a.    The Member’s coverage is cancelled or terminated; or

b.    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 Certificate of Coverage.  The Participating Attorney shall not be obligated to provide any services under the Certificate of Coverage 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.

Portability

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

Conformed to Statute

Any terms of the Legal Services Contract 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 Legal Services Contract are not assignable.

Miscellaneous

To obtain information or make a complaint you may call The LegalEASE Group’s toll-free telephone: 1-888-416-4313.

You may also write to The LegalEASE Group at:

5151 San Felipe, Suite 2300

Houston, TX  77056

At LifeLock, we help protect you against more than just credit fraud, we alert you whenever we detect your personal information being used to apply for wireless services, retail credit, utilities, and mortgage loans within our extensive network. If you become a victim of identity theft while you are a LifeLock member we will spend up to $1 million to hire experts, lawyers, investigators, consultants and whoever else it takes to help your recovery. Restrictions Apply. See our Terms & Conditions for more details.

Monitoring Your Identity

Once you complete enrollment for LifeLock identity theft protection, we immediately begin monitoring for threats* against your identity within our network.

Beyond Credit Monitoring

We also contact the major credit bureaus on your behalf and help remove your name from mailing lists for preapproved credit offers. And we provide you with anytime access to your alerts dashboard via the secure LifeLock Member Portal.

Who's Covered?

The member and the member’s spouse, for whom a premium is paid.