During this constantly evolving situation, presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services is fully operational and well positioned to navigate this challenge and will continue providing the services you have come to count on from us. We are available by phone or email.

Articles Posted in Group Legal plans

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stockfresh_3046191_no-to-fraud_sizeS-300x300Criminals think of the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity. These thieves and scammers are ready to play on the fears and anxieties of people stuck in their houses during the quarantine. They have become creative in how they use fraud and price gouging to take what little money a person has, and these felons could not care less about the damage they cause. Group legal plans must provide pre-paid legal services to prevent honest people from being deceived.

 

Some of the More Common Frauds

 

There are billions of dollars of stimulus money floating around and swindlers want a piece of the action. A common scam is to be contacted by a so-called authority who claims that he or she can get your stimulus money to you faster. It all requires a small fee on your part. The government does not charge any processing fee, but that does not deter some people. A professional thief has operated similar frauds in the past. Continue reading

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stockfresh_2753643_medical-and-gavel_sizeS-300x300Coronavirus figures appear to ebb and flow like time. One day the new cases of infection are up and the next day they come down. We are still not out of danger, unfortunately, and people need to practice social distancing. The pandemic has made many people more aware of their mortality and the possibility of getting sick.

 

Young employees do not always worry because they are not the target population. Older employees are deeply concerned. Those who have diabetes, or a cardiovascular condition know they are susceptible to coronavirus. They need to prepare for any possibility. They could use some help and employers can provide valuable support. Group legal plans provide excellent assistance in these days of a pandemic. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services offers a group legal plan benefit that includes help with a living will. Continue reading

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stockfresh_2662466_last-will-and-testament-concept-of-estate-planning_sizeS_124228-300x196The daily figures about death caused by the coronavirus pandemic are forcing people to think about mortality. Estate planning is now becoming a topic for people who did not even think about last wills two months ago. Now there is a concern that if something drastic happens, loved ones will be left fighting in probate court for their inheritance. Delays brought about by not having a will can stop a child from paying college tuition or a spouse from paying a medical bill. These are problems that should be avoided.

 

Group legal plans promote drafting simple wills as a pre-paid legal service benefit that employees can use. Not all the vendors, however, provide high-quality. That is not the case with us. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services provides a comprehensive benefit that makes drafting a will easy and convenient. Continue reading

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stockfresh_8628171_legal-advice-book-title-3d_sizeS-300x150The coronavirus pandemic has Americans in a state of quarantine and there is no telling when this will all end. However, the legal process continues and will not be interrupted. There are still activities that require attention, and these include the witnessing and notarizing of legal documents.

 

The importance of witnessing and notarizing cannot be understated. Many legal documents must have that process completed to be legally binding and that includes powers of attorney and mortgages. Fortunately, some states are allowing remote online notarization (RON) to permit notaries to acknowledge documents without in-person witnesses. Other states are looking seriously at RON to deal with the current lockdown. Continue reading

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stockfresh_5169208_identity-theft-under-investigation-over-a-white-background_sizeS-300x217Hacking and cyber theft continue to be a problem, but business is fighting back. SSL ( Secure Sockets Layer) and other means of encryption are creating safer spaces for websites and browsers to interact. Technology is making everything harder for Internet thieves, but the fight is not over. There are still commercial sites vulnerable to cyber pirates.

Individuals can have their financial security compromised. It just takes a person looking over one’s shoulder at the POS counter, copying the credit card number, and thus jeopardizing a person’s account. The same happens at an ATM. That person behind you might be memorizing your security code or password. The consequences of theft are terrible. Savings can be wiped out or a credit card maxed out. A victim does not find out until weeks later what happened. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3433722_man-and-woman-signing-contract-paper_sizeS-e1578694746271-300x183Paying a visit to a government agency is like taking a trip to the dentist for many people. There is paperwork to complete and the wait to see anyone is painfully long. Folks get frustrated by what they see as poor service.

 

Anxiety and stress can be thrown into the mix. An individual might need public services for either personal reasons or a family member, and they need it as soon as possible. Submitting incomplete information or the wrong data will mean scheduling the new appointment. It is enough to drive anyone’s blood pressure through the roof. Continue reading

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stockfresh_6387113_gavel-and-stethoscope-on-table_sizeS-300x200A crisis needs a calm mind. Someone who does not panic in emotional situations will make the best decisions and solve any problems. A medical emergency is an example where a cool head must prevail.

 

An Unresponsive Victim

 

A traffic accident or a massive stroke can automatically change reality. The victim may be unresponsive and on life support systems. There are some significant decisions to be made on behalf of the victim. Continue reading

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stockfresh_260360_read-the-fine-print_sizeS-200x300Newly minted college graduates are enthusiastic. They are now part of the real world and are drawing paychecks. Many have new jobs that they always dreamed about. They are feeling mature and responsible, but they are also learning a firm lesson about life. The real-world treats them like adults, whether they like it or not.

Reality Comes Wrapped in Paper

These young workers learn the hard way about the danger of fine print. They signed agreements and leases without understanding the content. An apartment lease might have invalid language or a warranty that specifies coverage for certain parts only. Other documents stipulate that disputes can be settled solely by arbitration, denying the person the right to file a lawsuit. Continue reading

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stockfresh_2662466_last-will-and-testament-concept-of-estate-planning_sizeS_124228-300x196Folks like to save money and DIY (Do It Yourself) appears to be the way to save some cash. We will not deny that DIY is cost-effective in some cases. Drafting the last will and testament isn’t one of them.

 

Do You Understand the Language?

 

Legalese has a dictionary of words and terms that are not easy to understand. The meaning and enforcement of a legal document depend on the correct use of statutory language. Making a mistake or error of omission in a will is going to result in an estate problem. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3665498_cost-and-value_sizeS-300x200Tax season is the time when we realize how much the government takes from our paychecks. Our dollars fund public services at all levels, but how can an employee get required help from the government? It isn’t always easy.

 

Tons of Paperwork

 

The public sector needs completed paperwork. Licenses, permits, and exemptions have forms to fill out and be filed by the right agencies. Mistakes may force a person to start all over again; the same is true for missed deadlines. Dealing with a government department can be frustrating. Continue reading