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_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

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stockfresh_8439488_keyboard-with-blue-keypad-consumer-protection-3d-illustration_sizeS-300x200Buying a warranty looks like a smart consumer decision. It means that if a problem arises, repair is covered by the retailer who sold the product. It is no secret that many retailers will strongly promote the purchase of one, but it does not mean the consumer is safe and secure. There can be issues in the warranty that will lead to a lot of frustration.

Areas of Concern

A standard warranty is going to have certain provisions that must be followed in order to get this contract honored. The warranty may specify that only certain repair shops will accept the warranty. There also might be a definite amount of time and after that the warranty is no longer in effect. Still other warranties insist that only certain parts are permissible, and the warranty owner may have to pay for the purchase of such parts. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3558891_lawyer-and-client-in-office_sizeS_487dc8-300x200We want to begin this article by telling you that a living will is an excellent idea. Accidents can happen, which leave a person in an unconscious state, and nobody knows what this almost lifeless individual wants to be done regarding medical care. A living will, if adequately written, spells out exactly what type of treatment is desired and whether the person wants life support systems turned off. Group legal plans will have drafting a living will as a benefit option and will market the idea to people. Nevertheless, we encourage caution.

 

A living will is not a DIY project. Additionally, using website templates to craft a document is not really a good idea. There could be some problems when professionals do not draft living wills. Continue reading

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stockfresh_5987416_customer-relationship_sizeS-300x200Automation and the Internet are meant to make things easier. Benefits enrollment will have dedicated websites and people can change their 401(k) donation mix online. Everything is intended to be more efficient, but it doesn’t always make things better. The human touch is a critical component of benefits quality. Group legal plans must remember that pre-paid legal services require personal interaction.

 

The Law is Mysterious

 

Legal procedures have distinct steps to follow. Language in documents like living wills has unique definitions and may not be altered. The legalese mystery can create considerable anxiety. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3279849_costs-benefits_sizeS_e3a3fc-300x200The new year will be full of surprises and challenges. Some developments will be great and will make an employee proud to work for an organization. It’s unfortunate, but other changes will be unexpected and not appreciated.

 

Rules and Regulations

 

Changes at all levels of government happen in January. Rules and procedures are revised to meet requirements mandated by new laws. Altering the status quo causes anxiety and whoever relies on government services will suffer high-stress levels. Continue reading

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stockfresh_5472698_hand-signing-last-will-and-testament-document_sizeS-300x200

People prepare for death in various ways. They will draft simple wills (good idea!), buy burial plots, and take out final expense insurance policies. These are all excellent financial choices and show a person wants to protect survivors from paying significant death expenses. They will concentrate on costs incurred by death itself, but there’s one thing missing in their planning: cost related to the act of dying.

 

Death will come in various forms, but it isn’t always immediate. Heart attacks, brain seizures, and sudden accidents can leave a body just clinging to life. Healthcare providers will maintain a victim on life support unless instructed otherwise. This creates a state of limbo that has severe financial consequences. Continue reading

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stockfresh_1669872_help-person-wrapped-in-red-tape-needs-rescue_sizeS_57a0b8-245x300

Taxpayers get aggravated with government agencies. These citizens need help and getting support is rarely easy. Rules, procedures, and protocols often get in the way.

 

Sources of Frustration

 

Some common problems will drive people up the wall.

 

*The Paperwork. It often appears the smallest services require the most prolonged application. It takes a while to complete the paperwork, and there still might be problems. Folks sometimes must fill out a second application because there were errors in the first one.

 

*The Wrong Office. A person will take the time to go to a government office and discover it is the wrong place. This means an extra trip must be made and precious time will be spent.

 

*Long Lines. Public agencies are notorious for long waiting periods. It happens too often that an individual waits an hour for 10 minutes of assistance.

 

*The Wrong Information. It is the most frustrating part of dealing with the government. After going to the office, waiting to get served finally, and filling out tedious paperwork, a citizen finds out he or she has the wrong information.

 

There needs to be a way to cut through the red tape and delays. Not all group legal plans will provide help in dealing with government agencies. Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services has such assistance as a group legal plan benefit. Continue reading

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stockfresh_3433722_man-and-woman-signing-contract-paper_sizeS-e1578694746271-300x183

Legal documents can be stressful. The average employee does not understand the verbiage and is easily frustrated. The greatest danger is to sign a document without understanding the obligations or consequences buried within the paperwork.

Common Problems

Some issues make legal documents a pain in the neck.

*Outdated or Invalid Forms. Landlords who own properties in several states may use an out of state lease, which is invalid. These documents might not include current information required by recent changes in the law. The tenant is thus being held accountable for a paper that has no legal standing. Continue reading