
Prepaid legal, also known as legal expense insurance, is a type of insurance that covers the cost of legal fees for members.
It's a membership-based program that provides access to legal services at a fixed monthly or annual fee. This fee typically covers a range of services, including consultations, document review, and representation in court.
Prepaid legal plans are usually offered by insurance companies or specialized providers, and they can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals, families, or businesses.
By paying a small monthly fee, members can have peace of mind knowing they have access to legal expertise when they need it.
What Is Prepaid Legal Is
Prepaid legal services are a type of membership program that provides access to legal advice and representation at a fixed monthly or annual fee.
These services often include a network of attorneys who can handle a wide range of legal matters, from simple wills and contracts to complex lawsuits.
Prepaid legal plans can be purchased by individuals, families, or businesses, and may offer discounts for long-term commitments or bundling multiple services.
Some prepaid legal plans may also offer additional benefits, such as identity theft protection or document preparation.
In return for their monthly or annual fee, members typically receive a set number of consultations or hours of attorney time per year.
Prepaid legal plans are not a substitute for traditional insurance, but rather a way to access affordable legal services on an as-needed basis.
Services Included
With prepaid legal services, you can get quicker access to qualified attorneys through a network of reputable professionals, saving you time, stress, and effort when searching for a trusted lawyer.
You can schedule a time to speak with a lawyer or request a call back within eight business hours to get answers on your personal legal matters.
This dedicated law firm access provides answers on an unlimited number of personal legal matters, including pre-existing issues.
Pre-Paid Services
Pre-Paid Services offer a convenient way to access qualified attorneys, saving you time and stress when searching for a trusted lawyer. With pre-paid legal plans, you can get quicker access to a network of reputable professionals.
You can choose from a variety of services, including advice and consultation on personal legal matters, which can be scheduled at your convenience. This includes pre-existing issues, and you can request a call back within eight business hours.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. was the first company in the United States to provide pre-paid legal plans for individuals, and it has since grown to cover 28,000 Canadian families across four provinces.
Here are some benefits of pre-paid services:
- Access to a network of reputable professionals
- Convenience of scheduling services at your convenience
- Unlimited access to personal legal matters, including pre-existing issues
Criminal defense is also available through pre-paid services, including representation for covered charges such as manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular homicide. However, this benefit requires an additional discounted fee for payment in New York.
Revocable Living Trust Preparation
When preparing a revocable living trust, you can count on our provider firm to help you establish a trustee to oversee the care of your children, assets, or pets. This can provide a sense of security and peace of mind.
The trust preparation process typically requires 2 hours of assistance from our team. If you don't use up all the hours, don't worry - they roll over, up to a maximum of 6 hours.
The cost of trust preparation is $250 per person, so if you and your spouse want to set up a trust, that's a total of $500. Annual updates are also available for an additional fee of $250 per person.
We recommend taking advantage of our trust preparation service to ensure your loved ones are protected.
Is It Worth It?
Having legal insurance can be a wise investment, even if you don't anticipate facing legal issues. It can help you save money and effort.
Not all legal matters involve conflicts, and having a lawyer to navigate complex documents or agreements can bring reassurance during major life events.
Is It Worth It?
Having some form of protection to support you in legal matters can be extremely valuable, even if you don't anticipate facing issues.

Not all legal matters involve conflicts, and having a lawyer to navigate complex documents or agreements can bring reassurance during major life events.
You can save money and effort with legal insurance, which can be a wise investment.
Some prepaid legal plans, like ARAG or Hyatt, provide referrals to attorneys in their network, which can be a great way to get new clients.
These services can also provide experience and help you better serve clients in the future.
However, prepaid legal plans generally pay very low rates, often half or 1/10th of what you would normally charge for a similar matter.
In the beginning of your practice, getting these clients through the door might be better than no business at all.
You can also get referrals from prepaid legal plan clients who don't have insurance themselves, and you can charge them your regular rates.
A Cheaper Avenue
An attorney's average hourly rate is around $391, which can be a significant financial burden.

This is why legal insurance can be a more affordable option, offering access to a network of attorneys at a lower cost.
For example, a MetLife Legal Plan offers coverage for the whole year for around $200.
This can be a game-changer for those who need legal services but can't afford the high hourly rates of individual attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prepaid legal term?
A prepaid legal term refers to a payment arrangement for future legal services. Businesses often offer prepaid legal plans as a benefit to their employees.
Are prepaid legal and LegalShield the same thing?
Yes, Pre-Paid Legal and LegalShield are the same company, with the name change occurring in 2011. Learn more about our 50+ year history and expanded services.
Why did prepaid legal change its name?
Prepaid Legal changed its name to LegalShield after being acquired by MidOcean Partners in 2011. This change marked a shift from a publicly traded company to a private entity.
How much does LegalShield cost per month?
LegalShield costs start at $24.95/month, offering affordable access to a range of legal services.
Sources
- https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/prepaid-legal-services
- https://www.startingoutsolo.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-working-for-prepaid-legal-plans/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LegalShield
- https://www.metlife.com/stories/legal/what-is-legal-insurance/
- https://www.legalshield.com/personal-plan/coverage-and-pricing
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