Articles Posted in Group Legal plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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