Using a Pre-Paid Legal Plan Effectively

Pre-Paid Legal is a New Yorlk Stock Exchange (NYSE) company that has been providing legal service plans to North American families for over 30 years.

Our customers can access legal counsel and advice from qualified lawyers simply by calling a toll-free number.

Many other benefits are included, but even at the most basic level our plans allow you to have peace of mind, knowing that the promise of Equal Justice Under Law is a reality.

My partner and I invented a product and got ourselves into a bit of debt and ran out of funds realizing we needed more to take our poduct to the next level. I had just become disabled with multiple sclerosis and the disease process was sucking the energy out of me --we had to make the difficult decision to dissolve our LLC.

Push came to shove and we were now $30,000 in debt with a storage unit full of invented product that we could not circulate. It did not matter to the bank, they were not interested in our niche product (a healthcare VERY niche product) as collateral. They were interested in putting a lien on our house. I did not like the sound of that at all and really wanted to separate the business from personal dealings.

Not realizing that I had broken the loan contract by dissolving the LLC without notifying the bank, we were given and ultimatum to pay the loan back in full immediately to avoid repercussions.

I contacted Pre-Paid Legal to see if there was anything that could be done. I FAXED them our loan documents and they were able to write a letter to negotiate $30,000 down to $18,000 without any marks on our credit. I was able to come up with the funds according to the new loan agreement and everything worked out smoothly because of a letter that was written by our lawyer on the Pre-Paid Legal Team.

Please note that lawyers working for PPL are extremely dedicated to helping resolve issues and will do whatever they can. We received immediate responses to our issues and worked via phone calls. It was a breeze and very un-intimidating!

Rock on! A simple $13.95 plan saved us $12,000.

Ahhhh, the sunshine, the frozen drinks with umbrellas ... the powdered white sand. Paradise, right? Well, when visiting the Bahamas several years ago, my partner and I succumbed to a high pressure sales team selling us a piece of paradise. We took the carrot fully believing that we had 36 hours to change our minds and think about things before really committing. We celebrated along with other new buyers drinking fake champagne and dreaming of our future vacations. We were lost in the moment enjoying the fact that we had just bought a little piece of paradise.

After getting back into Florida, outside the pressure of the Bahamas, we decided that having bought that timeshare was impulsive and it was not what we really wanted. It all sounded so enticing at the moment and we really felt like we were getting a good deal (until we did the numbers on our own). Paradise was going to be costly. We had just bought-in for nearly $4,000 and monthly payments were going to be charged to my credit card. It no longer seemed like such a good thing anymore.

Once back in Florida (still vacationing), we took all the necessary steps, filled out the necessary forms and wrote letters to back out of our sale within the time frame allotted. All papers were FAXED and delivered via FedEx but I never received a response regarding their receipt. It was at this point we knew we were in trouble!

The months passed and we received credit card charges towards the timeshare. It was all happening so quickly and now being back in the US I was wondering how on earth we were going to be able to get a handle on the situation and take charge,

I realized that this is one of the purposes of Pre-Paid Legal, to represent us and take care of issues just like this one. I called PPL and was put in touch with a lawyer who understood the law regarding timeshares and even timeshares outside the US (the tricky part). A letter was issued by our lawyer on our behalf and within a couple of weeks we had full refunds and documents releasing us of our Timeshare commitment.

I firmly believe that without the intervention of PPL's specialized lawyer, we would have been stuck with that timeshare to this day.

My Partner and I were married in Massachusetts in 2005 as a "same-sex" couple. In MA., same-sex marriage is legal. We currently reside in NY where the laws are different for same-sex couples. When we created our initial wills through PPL (this is included free with membership) we had to work with our NYC law firm to include some special issues:

1. We are a same-sex couple with a valid MA marriage certificate
2. I am 100% disabled based on the fact that I cannot work anymore because of Multiple Sclerosis "MS"
3. We wanted to ensure that if any of our cats should outlive either of us, they would go to a person named with a trust to pay for them.

These were issues that took a couple of re-writes to get the will to our satisfaction. But all of this at no cost to us. Our next job is to use a local Law Firm (at no cost to us) to fully execute it. The wills came back and looked so professional. Not like a will you buy out of a Staples store or online. Typed up on Legal sized law firm letterhead. The quality of the service and the actual quality of the product cannot be beaten!

Creating a will and a trust is such an important thing and helps the membership pay for itself, quickly. As a member, you are encouraged to get the will underway quickly.

It's worth it!

In January, 2011, I was caught in a speed trap in New York State in a county that was 2 hours away from home. It was actually only the second speeding offense for me in my life -- both happening within the past 3 years (the first offense was easy and I was able to negotiate myself and "plea it down"). This most recent speeding ticket involved going "81 in a 65" which put me 16 miles over the speed limit and a potential of 4 points on my driver's license! Instead of handling the issue myself, I quickly called PPL to figure out what to do.

PPL guided me every step of the way. They told me to plead "not guilty" and then assigned another law firm closer to the county where the infraction happened so that I could be represented by an attorney and I would not have to attend a court date or pre-meeting myself. At a pre-meeting, the PPL representative was able to plead my speeding ticket down to a parking ticket with no points on my record and nothing written on my driving abstract. I had to pay a fine of $125.00 and it was done with.

I don't need PPL until I NEED PPL!

The member ship price varies in some states. Example, in NY it is $13.95 per month. The $16 per month appears more common.

Standard Family Plan
$16/month (plus a one time $10 enrollment fee)

Preventive Legal Services

Phone Consultations on Unlimited Matters

As a member, you can consult with your Provider Law Firm toll free by phone on any personal or business-related matter. Just call your Provider's toll-free number during regular business hours when you have a legal problem or question.

Phone Calls and Letters...

A phone call or letter from your Provider Lawyer can get you the results you want fast. Your Provider Lawyer will recommend a letter or phone call when that is the best step for you. One call or letter per personal subject related matter is free with your membership. Plus, you'll receive two business letters each year at no additional cost! Additional assistance for same subject at 25% discount.

Contract and Document Review...

You can have an unlimited number of personal legal documents, up to ten pages each, reviewed by your Provider Lawyer. Included each year is one business document review at no additional cost! Your Provider Lawyer will analyze the documents and suggest changes for your benefit before you sign.

Wills for You and Your Family...

A Will for you at no additional charge, not just a "simple" Will, but one that meets most Americans' needs - with free yearly reviews and updates. Wills for covered family members are just $20 each; changes and updates $20. Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount.

* Additional Information & Exclusions
Motor Vehicle Legal Expense Services

Minor Legal Expenses

Your Provider Lawyer will represent you or your covered family members against moving traffic violations at no additional cost to you. Now you can have help with traffic tickets and not have to worry about the cost of representation.

Major Legal Expenses

Your Provider Lawyer will defend you or your covered family members when you are charged with Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, or Vehicular Homicide at no added cost to you.

And add up to 2.5 hours for help with..

* Damage recovery service
* Driver's license assistance
* Personal injury legal expenses

* Additional Information & Exclusions
Trial Defense Services

Lawsuits cause tremendous emotional and financial stress. Your Pre-Paid Legal membership offers assistance when you need it most.

Up to 60 hours of lawyer time...

During your first membership year, you have up to 60 hours of your Provider Lawyer's time at no additional cost when you or your spouse is named defendant or respondent in a covered civil or criminal action filed in a court of law. The criminal action must be one which arises out of the direct performance of the covered person's employment activities. Your Provider Firm can advise you of the documents required to determine coverage under this benefit.

Of these 60 hours, up to 2.5 hours may be used for all legal services rendered in defense of the covered suit prior to actual trial. Up to 57.5 of the remaining hours are available for actual trial time including covered criminal preliminary hearings.

Your hours of service increase...

When you renew your membership, your hours of lawyer time increase as follows:

2nd year renewal: Up to 120 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 3 hours of pre-trial time.

3rd year renewal: Up to 180 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 3.5 hours of pre-trial time.

4th year renewal: Up to 240 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 4 hours of pre-trial time.

5th year renewal: Up to 300 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 4.5 hours of pre-trial time.

* Additional Information & Exclusions
IRS Audit Legal Services

Your Pre-Paid Legal membership will help you defray the costs of an IRS audit and give you the legal support you need.

Up to 50 hours of lawyer time...

You have up to 50 hours of your Provider Lawyer's time available at no additional cost when you or a covered family member receives written notice of an IRS audit or are requested to appear at IRS offices regarding your tax return. Your 50 hours are available as follows:

Up to one hour for consultation, advice, and assistance when you receive written notice from the IRS of audit or appearance.

If there is no settlement within 30 days, you have up to 2.5 hours for audit representation, negotiations, phone conversations, and settlement conferences prior to litigation.

If there is no settlement without litigation, up to 46.5 of the remaining hours are available for actual trial appearance if the IRS sues you, or you pay the disputed tax and sue the IRS.

* Additional Information & Exclusions
Other Legal Services

Your Provider Lawyer will render assistance at a 25% reduction to his or her standard hourly rate* for you or your spouse should you need legal services not covered by this plan. A retainer may be required for services being rendered under this benefit. Five days are required for preparation for court representation.

*Hourly rates for Referral Lawyers and court appearances may
vary.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Due to regulatory requirements, benefits and rates vary in certain states and provinces. The information contained on this material is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. You will need to work with your law firm to understand any limitations by state.

Extended Family Plan
$25/month (plus a one time $10 enrollment fee)
Preventive Legal Services

Phone Consultations on Unlimited Matters

As a member, you can consult with your Provider Law Firm toll free by phone on any personal or business-related matter. Just call your Provider's toll-free number during regular business hours when you have a legal problem or question.

Phone Calls and Letters...

A phone call or letter from your Provider Lawyer can get you the results you want fast. Your Provider Lawyer will recommend a letter or phone call when that is the best step for you. One call or letter per personal subject related matter is free with your membership. Plus, you'll receive two business letters each year at no additional cost! Additional assistance for same subject at 25% discount.

Contract and Document Review...

You can have an unlimited number of personal legal documents, up to ten pages each, reviewed by your Provider Lawyer. Included each year is one business document review at no additional cost! Your Provider Lawyer will analyze the documents and suggest changes for your benefit before you sign.

Wills for You and Your Family...

A Will for you at no additional charge, not just a "simple" Will, but one that meets most Americans' needs - with free yearly reviews and updates. Wills for covered family members are just $20 each; changes and updates $20. Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount.

* Additional Information & Exclusions
Motor Vehicle Legal Expense Services

Minor Legal Expenses

Your Provider Lawyer will represent you or your covered family members against moving traffic violations at no additional cost to you. Now you can have help with traffic tickets and not have to worry about the cost of representation.

Major Legal Expenses

Your Provider Lawyer will defend you or your covered family members when you are charged with Manslaughter, Involuntary Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, or Vehicular Homicide at no added cost to you.

And add up to 2.5 hours for help with..

* Damage recovery service
* Driver's license assistance
* Personal injury legal expenses

* Additional Information & Exclusions
Trial Defense Services

Lawsuits cause tremendous emotional and financial stress. Your Pre-Paid Legal membership offers assistance when you need it most.

Up to 75 hours of lawyer time...

During your first membership year, you have up to 75 hours of your Provider Lawyer's time at no additional cost when you or your spouse is named defendant or respondent in a covered civil or criminal action filed in a court of law. The criminal action must be one which arises out of the direct performance of the covered person's employment activities. Your Provider Firm can advise you of the documents required to determine coverage under this benefit.

Of these 75 hours, up to 17.5 hours may be used for all legal services rendered in defense of the covered suit prior to actual trial. Up to 57.5 of the remaining hours are available for actual trial time including covered criminal preliminary hearings.

Your hours of service increase...

When you renew your membership, your hours of lawyer time increase as follows:

2nd year renewal: Up to 140 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 23 hours of pre-trial time.

3rd year renewal: Up to 205 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 28.5 hours of pre-trial time.

4th year renewal: Up to 270 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 34 hours of pre-trial time.

5th year renewal: Up to 335 hours of assistance at no additional charge including up to 39.5 hours of pre-trial time.

* Additional Information & Exclusions
IRS Audit Legal Services

Your Pre-Paid Legal membership will help you defray the costs of an IRS audit and give you the legal support you need.

Up to 50 hours of lawyer time...

You have up to 50 hours of your Provider Lawyer's time available at no additional cost when you or a covered family member receives written notice of an IRS audit or are requested to appear at IRS offices regarding your tax return. Your 50 hours are available as follows:

Up to one hour for consultation, advice, and assistance when you receive written notice from the IRS of audit or appearance.

If there is no settlement within 30 days, you have up to 2.5 hours for audit representation, negotiations, phone conversations, and settlement conferences prior to litigation.

If there is no settlement without litigation, up to 46.5 of the remaining hours are available for actual trial appearance if the IRS sues you, or you pay the disputed tax and sue the IRS.

* Additional Information & Exclusions
Other Legal Services

Your Provider Lawyer will render assistance at a 25% reduction to his or her standard hourly rate* for you or your spouse should you need legal services not covered by this plan. A retainer may be required for services being rendered under this benefit. Five days are required for preparation for court representation.

*Hourly rates for Referral Lawyers and court appearances may
vary.

* Additional Information & Exclusions

Additional Information & Exclusions:

Due to regulatory requirements, benefits and rates vary in certain states and provinces. The information contained on this material is for illustrative purposes only and is not a contract. It is intended to provide a general overview of plan coverage; only a plan contract can give actual terms, coverage, amounts, conditions and exclusions.

Phone Consultation: Nevada residents limited to 50 hours of telephone consultation per year.

Letters and Phone Calls: A letter or phone call per subject matter is available if advisable in your Provider Law Firm's sole discretion.

Contract and Document Review: Nevada residents limited to 5 personal legal documents reviewed per year.

Will Preparation: Trust preparation is available at a 25% discount. A standard Will with yearly updates provided for the primary member at no additional cost. Covered family members can also have their Will prepared for $20 each, with yearly updates for only $20.

Motor Vehicle Legal Services: These services are available 15 days after enrollment. Representation under this benefit is provided when the member has a valid driver's license and is driving a properly licensed motor vehicle. Any fines and court costs are the member's expense. Pre-existing conditions, charges of DUI/DWI related matters, drug-related matters, hit-and-run related charges, leaving the scene of an accident, and unmeritorious cases are excluded. Commercial vehicles with more than two axles are not covered. These services are limited to two and one-half (2-1/2) hours of lawyer time per claim and do not include the filing of a lawsuit and exclude personal injury and property claims that exceed $2,000. However, you may receive a 25% discount and consult with your Provider Law Firm under the toll-free consultation benefit for any exclusions under this benefit.

Trial Defense Services: This coverage applies only to the named member and spouse. Divorce, separation, annulment, child custody or other divorce-related matters, bankruptcy, charges of DUI/DWI, drug-related matters (whether prescribed or not), hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident and civil or criminal charges occurring as a result of operating a commercial vehicles with more than two axles are not covered under this benefit, but are covered by the preferred member discount. Additional exclusions under this benefit: Being named in a civil lawsuit or having criminal charges filed against you because you are listed as an owner, management or associate of the business and you had no direct involvement with the act or matter that gave rise to the lawsuit or criminal charge. Those charges are covered with your preferred member discount. If the lawsuit was filed because of something that occurred prior to your membership or because of conditions that were reasonably anticipated or foreseeable prior to your enrollment, then the lawsuit is excluded from your Trial Defense benefit.This exclusion applies even if the lawsuit is filed after you become a member. These lawsuits are covered with your preferred member discount. Class actions, interventions or amicus curiae filings in which the covered member is a party (or potential party) are excluded. Also, this coverage does not include garnishment, attachment or any other appeal. Your Provider Law Firm has the right to determine whether or not your claim or defense to a matter will prevail in court or is frivolous or without merit. This includes deciding whether or not to appeal any judgment or decision. Your Provider Law Firm also has the right to present your claim or defense according to their independent professional judgment. Pre-Paid Legal will not influence or attempt to modify how your Provider Law Firm provides their professional services.

IRS Audit Legal Services: Does not cover business tax returns, garnishment, attachment or any other appeal, class actions, interventions or amicus curiae filings, charges of tax fraud or income tax evasions, Trust returns, payroll and information returns, partnerships, corporation returns or portions thereof that are included in the member's tax returns, pre-existing conditions - where member has been notified by the IRS prior to enrollment, and services rendered by an enrolled agent. Coverage includes the return due on April 15th of the first membership year.

Preferred Member Discount: Depending on your legal needs, a retainer may be required by your Provider Law Firm prior to services being rendered under this discount

Using PPL is easy to do and it comes in handy more often than you could imagine. It's really amazing how many times in a day or month that having a lawyer to review terms of a contract, write a letter on your behalf could come in handy. Here are a few scenarios where having the plan would come in easy. I pay $13.95 (in NY) to $16.00 a month for peace of mind. Pretty amazing!

Your child needs special education in public school.
A friend or neighbor is injured on your property.
A friend owes you money and files bankruptcy.
Your car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.
Your pet causes damage to a neighbor's garden.
You have an accident driving your friend's boat.
Family members challenge your parent's will.
Your neighbor's dog barks for hours every night.
Your long drive off the tee injures another player.
You are wrongly accused of committing a crime.
A neighbor or school reports you for child abuse.
You receive social security disability or Medicaid.
You are scheduled to appear in small claims court.
Your new house has bad plumbing and a leaky roof.
Your child's school demands a drug or alcohol test.
Your parents die and leave you executor of their estate.
You accidentally back over a neighbor's garbage can.
Your teenager wrecks the car and a friend is injured.
Your husband or wife uses physical force against you.
Your landlord refuses to refund your cleaning deposit.
You have a fender bender while driving a friend's car.
A hairdresser damages your hair with harsh chemicals.
You can't make heads or tails out of the new tax forms.
Your landlord enters your apartment without permission.
You have liability questions in launching a new business.
You receive a letter from a creditor and it is not your debt.
You don't have a living will or medical power of attorney.
A car dealership gains illegal access to your credit history.
A retail store won't accept the return of defective merchandise.
Your child throws a baseball through a neighbor's car window.
A former employer refuses to pay you your final compensation.
You are injured when you slip on a wet floor in a public building.
A record club sends merchandise after you cancel your membership.
You are stopped for speeding and a friend is in possession of marijuana.
Creditors threaten to take action against you for your ex-spouse's debts.
You lose an expensive watch in a hotel and the manager denies liability.
A speeding car nicks your car bumper because you have parked in the street.
A stranger calls and demands money or damaging information will be released.
Your teenager is accused of shoplifting.
Your new washing machine doesn't wash.
A merchant refuses to honor a guarantee.
Your spouse claims a right to your earnings.
You are trying to or have adopted a child.
Angry words result in a slander law suit.
You need a copyright for your manuscript.
Your right to privacy has been invaded.
Your car is vandalized in a parking lot.
You are cheated by a door-to-door salesman.
A creditor tries illegal collection tactics.
An accident results in a personal injury..
A minor is caught breaking into your home.
Your neighbor's dog bites you or your child.
You're asked to testify as a witness to a robbery.
A trespasser is caught poaching on your land.
A repairman won't stand behind his work.
A bank turns you into a credit bureau unjustly.
You are tired of hidden fees at your bank.
You own your own small business.
You need a premarital agreement.
You're buying or selling a car.
You are leasing acreage.
You have a retirement savings plan.
You change jobs.
You receive a speeding ticket.
You are buying or selling your home.
Your driver's license is suspended.
Your car is repossessed unjustly.
You are subpoenaed.
You are called to jury duty.
You decide to change your name.
The IRS selects you for an audit.
You made a sizable gift to charity.
You don't have an up-to-date will.
You need a lease agreement reviewed.
Your son is injured in a football game.
Your dog bites an elderly passerby.
Your teenager gets a speeding ticket.
You care for your elderly parents.
You need a patent for an invention.
Your dog is poisoned.
Your boat is damaged while in storage.
You are refused service at a restaurant.
You get fired from your job.
You need advice concerning a divorce.
A jeweler sells you defective merchandise.
You are hit by a bottle at a baseball game.
A neighbor trips over a rake in your yard.
A property manager refuses to rent to you.
You are denied credit for no apparent reason.
A tenant falls down stairs and sues you.
A repairman charges more than a given estimate.
You have a housekeeper working in your home.
You have a property line dispute over a newly installed fence.
You don't understand the difference between a trust and a will.
Your landlord raises rent in violation of your verbal agreement.
Your bank sends a foreclosure notice after one house payment is late.
A postal carrier slips on your unshoveled walk and breaks his or her leg.
Your car insurance is cancelled when your teenager is involved in an accident.
You take a vacation and your "room with a view" is a view of the trash dumpster.
You don't understand your health insurance plan or the new Medicare Prescription Act.
The auto repair shop threatens to sue you in small claims court for money you don't owe.

You pay a fixed amount each month, regardless of how much you use it, and you can get access to a lawyer when you need it without paying additional fees for each service. Your annual legal costs are set and you won't have to worry about having a particularly bad legal year extend into your finances (at least in the case of legal fees).

Since most prepaid legal plans offer unlimited phone consultations, it can pre-empt potential legal issues. If you aren't sure about something seemingly minor, like cutting down a tree, you can call up your lawyer for advice. You may find out that you need an arborist to supervise or the permission of your neighbor.

These are several different types of customer testimonials. Some talk about their "provider law firms" and some talk about the Pre-Paid Legal product. Really, in the end, it's the Provider Law Firm that counts since PPL is just the vehicle used to get the help you need, when you need it.

"Thank you for your assistance on my legal issue concerning the protection and advancing of my "Billion Dollar" invention/concept.

I was at a stand still, and also nervous about telling anyone, but after speaking to you, I will take the proper steps to safely move my idea to the next level.

You are an asset to the law firm and you professionalism made my 5 plus years as a member of Pre-Paid Legal well worth the money paid.

Keep up the good work."

K. Dorsey, NY

"It was very enjoyable to work with you and your staff members. I am writing in particular to express my thanks to (my provider attorney) for the assistance she has provided to myself and other members. She has been very professional and helpful every time we contacted her. I admire her responsiveness very much, even when she is not in her office, she always gets back to follow up. Her commitment to the job she performs is profound and meets high professional standards.

I appreciate the time she takes to help her colleagues with enthusiasm and desire to address the issues raised. I have enjoyed working with her and wish your company success."

O. Gavrich, NY

"I received two checks for a total of $4,120.39 from PA State Child Support. Pre-Paid Legal is everything I was told it would be eight years ago when I joined as an associate and member. You all are very professional and courteous and I thank you personally. I have been trying to correct this problem for the past two years without success. Thank you a bunch!"

R. Allen, MD

Just wanted to say thank you for all the wise council and fast response you gave me in filling out my Social Security forms. I appreciate you very much.

H. Witt, OK

There are so many different types of testimonials and the PPL Legal Plan has helped many people in many ways. If you are interested in seeing something more specific to an issue you are curious about such as "Can PPL help me with .....", I would be happy to research it and find a personal testimonial. I work with one of the strongest and brightest PPL teams around (Brian Carruthers) and his guidance is unparalleled.

Some states require licenses to sell PP:L. The following is a list of states that require a license. I have had various licenses in other states (I am trying to get one for Florida but this requires a NYS insurance license). Each state is different. If you want to buy the plan I will find someone supportive to offer it to you. If you want to take it further and become an associate and buy from yourself (I can help you do what you need to do to become licensed). Either way, we will make sure you get covered!!

Alabama
Florida
Illinois
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Jersey
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia