If you’ve ever been caught in a legal situation, you’ll know just how exorbitantly expensive it can be. Enter LegalShield, a platform that offers legal service plans for individuals, families, and businesses, claiming to be an affordable solution to costly legal consultations. But how much does Legal Shield really cost, and is it worth it for you? In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve deep into LegalShield’s coverage and pricing structure.
LegalShield: Breaking Down the Costs
Monthly Subscription – The Cost-Effective Way to Legal Protection
For just $29.95 per month, LegalShield offers a Personal Plan that allows you and your family access to legal consultation and support on an unlimited number of legal matters. This model provides the convenience of renewing your subscription monthly and includes 24/7 access for covered scenarios, the inclusion of your family, an easy-to-use scheduling app, and the option to customize your plan.
Annual Subscription – Save Big and Secure Your Legal Shield
If you are someone who values longer-term commitment and savings, then the annual subscription plan is ideal. For $299.40 per year (amounting to $24.95 per month), you’ll receive the same benefits as the monthly plan – a saving of 16% over the year.
Added Supplements – Enhancing Your Legal Coverage
With the monthly subscription, you also have the option to add supplements for specific legal matters, enhancing your coverage even more. However, do note that this service is not currently available with the annual subscription option.
What Does LegalShield Cover?
LegalShield offers a wide range of coverage options that address many common legal matters. These include estate planning, family law matters, IRS audits, trial defense, traffic violations, and residential loan services. In addition, a notable perk is 24/7 access for covered emergencies, which ensures you get the help you need, whenever you need it.
Are There Any Additional Benefits?
Yes, there certainly are. LegalShield members enjoy generous discounts on additional time with provider lawyers. And that’s not all. With their MEMBERPerks, you can save up to 50% on popular brands like Verizon, Costco, and Amazon.
The Bottom Line: Is LegalShield Worth It?
LegalShield is an affordable solution to the typically expensive legal consultations and services. Its range of offerings, from family law matters to IRS audits and trial defense, provides a comprehensive legal coverage suitable for many individuals and families.
However, it’s important to note that the overall value and benefit of subscribing to LegalShield are dependent on your unique legal needs and circumstances. If you frequently encounter legal issues or anticipate needing legal advice, the cost of LegalShield is likely a fraction of what hiring an attorney directly might cost.
LegalShield empowers individuals and families by making legal help more accessible and affordable. With its low-cost monthly and annual plans, members can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their legal matters are in experienced hands.
FAQs
Who Exactly is Covered Under the Personal Plan?
An often misunderstood aspect of LegalShield’s Personal Plan is its broad coverage. It’s not just an individual plan – it’s a family one. The plan encompasses not only you as the primary member but also extends its benefits to your spouse or partner. Furthermore, it includes any dependents living at home. This comprehensive coverage makes it an ideal solution for families in need of regular legal assistance.
When Can I Start Using the Plan After Joining?
A common concern with any subscription service, especially legal ones, is the timeline before you can start reaping the benefits. With LegalShield, you can commence using your plan almost immediately after your membership application has been reviewed and your account is set up. This process typically takes between 12 to 24 hours on regular business days. Post approval, you can initiate contact with a provider lawyer and begin to utilize the plan benefits and member perks as outlined in the membership agreement.
What Happens When Basic Plan Benefits Don’t Cover My Specific Situation?
Navigating scenarios not covered by the basic plan benefits is a key area of interest for potential subscribers. In such situations, LegalShield allows you to collaborate with your provider lawyer at a 25% discount off their standard hourly rates. The eventual cost will depend on a myriad of factors, including the area of law, your geographic location, and the lawyer’s standard rates. The exact cost can only be determined once you have discussed your situation with a provider lawyer. Nevertheless, it’s guaranteed that by using the discounted rates, you stand to save a considerable sum compared to directly hiring a lawyer.
Who are the Lawyers in My Network, and Are They Experienced?
LegalShield does not directly employ the lawyers that offer services to its members. Instead, it has an extensive network of independent law firms across the United States and Canada. These firms consist of seasoned lawyers, boasting an impressive average experience of 22 years. They offer legal protection to over 1.4 million LegalShield members around the clock, even in emergency situations. You can find information about the provider law firms and individual lawyers within the network on the LegalShield website.
Can I Access Legal Help 24/7?
Absolutely! In the event of an emergency, LegalShield offers a 24/7 emergency legal help hotline. This feature ensures you get the support you need when you need it most. The service covers specific scenarios, providing you with immediate access to legal advice, thereby empowering you to make informed decisions promptly.
How Does LegalShield Assist With Family Law Matters?
Family law can be complex, especially when it comes to navigating intricate issues like marriage preparation, divorce, child custody, and more. LegalShield steps in to provide you with the legal help necessary to understand and address these matters, making the process less daunting and more manageable.
Does LegalShield Provide Support for IRS Audits?
Yes, LegalShield offers support for IRS audits. Taxes can be tricky, and having a lawyer provide advice, representation, and negotiation during an audit can prove to be invaluable. This service can help you navigate the maze of tax regulations, providing you with the needed guidance to ensure compliance and effectively address any issues that arise.
Are Traffic Tickets and Related Matters Covered?
LegalShield provides assistance with a variety of traffic issues. This includes everything from minor speeding tickets to significant matters like auto accidents and moving violations. Their legal experts offer advice, guidance, and representation to help you navigate the legal complexities associated with traffic violations.
Can LegalShield Help Me With Real Estate Matters?
Yes, LegalShield can be a valuable resource for a wide range of real estate matters. Its services cover aspects such as buying or selling a property, lease disputes, eviction matters, and foreclosure-related issues. The expert lawyers in their network provide in-depth guidance, helping members understand the legal implications surrounding real estate transactions and disputes, ensuring your interests are effectively represented.
What Services Are Offered Under Identity Theft Protection?
In today’s digital age, identity theft is an ever-growing concern. LegalShield’s IDShield plan provides a comprehensive solution to identity theft protection. It includes services like credit monitoring, internet surveillance, social media tracking, and identity restoration. In case your identity is compromised, a licensed private investigator will be assigned to your case, aiding in the recovery process and ensuring your identity is restored to pre-theft status.
How Does LegalShield Help Start-ups and Small Businesses?
LegalShield has a range of services designed specifically for small businesses and start-ups. Their Small Business Plan provides legal support in numerous areas, including but not limited to, contract review, debt collection, legal correspondence, trial defense services, and general legal consultations. These services help in shielding businesses from potential legal disputes and ensuring smoother operations.
What Happens If I Want to Cancel My LegalShield Membership?
LegalShield offers a risk-free cancellation policy. If for any reason you’re not satisfied with their services, you can cancel your membership. To do this, you would need to contact LegalShield directly by calling their Member Services, or you can submit a written request via email or regular mail. Once your cancellation request has been processed, no further billing will occur.
Is There a Cap on the Number of Legal Consultations I Can Have?
With LegalShield, there is no cap on the number of times you can contact your provider law firm. Whether it’s a simple legal question or a complex legal matter, your membership allows you to receive advice on an unlimited number of personal legal issues.
Can I Choose My Own Lawyer Under the LegalShield Plan?
LegalShield assigns a dedicated law firm to handle your legal matters based on your geographical area and legal needs. However, if you’re not satisfied with the assigned firm or the services provided, you can request a reassignment. LegalShield is committed to ensuring that all members are satisfied with their legal representation and will take necessary steps to accommodate such requests.
How Are Emergency Legal Situations Handled?
LegalShield understands that some legal issues can’t wait. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you can call the dedicated emergency number that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. In situations such as arrest, detainment, or if you’re injured in an accident, you can immediately reach out to this hotline to receive the necessary legal guidance.