The Basics of Prenuptial Agreements

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Statistics say that, in 2020, nearly half of all marriages ended in divorce, and while this is a fact that most people don't want to think about when they're planning their weddings, the fact is, having legal documents in place before you say "I do" can save you both headaches in the future. Financial experts recommend couples create a prenuptial agreement - also called a prenup - before walking down the aisle.

A prenup is a legally enforceable contract entered into by two people before they are legally married, and it lists each person's assets, liabilities, and debts, and to whom each of these belong before marriage, and what happens to these if the couple divorces.

Prenuptial agreements typically cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. The price varies widely due to the number of assets and debts, the complexity of the agreement due to assets and debts, and where the couple resides, as laws vary state-to-state.

A prenuptial agreement acts as financial protection for you pre-marital assets, children, and families, as it predetermines what happens in a divorce. The agreement can detail complex situations such as student debt incurred for a profession that supports both spouses; in this scenario, should the debt also be shared? Assets and debts incurred during the marriage can also be outlined. While these are typically shared by both spouses, the agreement can specify certain assets or debts that will be kept separate; an example could be spouse who starts a business with their own capital from before the marriage - the business profits or debts can be kept separate from the marital assets and liabilities.

The prenup can also detail how debt will be allocated during a divorce, which can streamline the proceedings. Additionally, the prenup can determine how children from a previous relationship will be cared for in the event of divorce, including inheritances. If a spouse shares business dealings with extended family, these assets can also be included in the prenup to ensure that these properties stay with the family.

A prenup can also detail responsibilities within the marriage, such as who pays for specific expenses, who maintains and monitors bank accounts and investments, whether both spouses must be a party to any agreements or contracts entered into during the marriage, and who is responsible for tax returns.

Ultimately, getting a prenuptial agreement isn't necessary, but, if the worst should happen, it can save you time, effort, money, and stress in divorce court. The dissolution of a marriage without the arguments over assets, debt, the care of minor children, inheritances, and more can protect you from additional tension during an already stressful situation. Your attorney through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals and Families can give you advice about any prenuptial agreements you might require, and all for no additional fee. Don't let the courts decide what's best for you. Sign up today!

Tips for Successful Co-Parenting

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A main concern for divorced or separated parents is creating a co-parenting schedule that works year 'round, through school schedules, breaks in the school year, special events, holidays, birthdays, vacations, and more. A good co-parenting schedule can alleviate the stress and tension of navigating schedules with careful planning and organizing, as well as some compromise along the way. If you need help creating a co-parenting schedule that works for you and your child's other parent as well as your children, our network of dedicated, experienced family law attorneys can help you prepare for meetings to create a co-parenting schedule that protects your rights, outlines responsibilities of all involved, and helps you plan and organize a co-parenting plan. Learn more about all the benefits of becoming a member of our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals and Families, and read on for some tips for creating a co-parenting plan that will work for you.

Communication Is Key

Working together with your child's other parent will be crucial to creating a co-parenting plan that works for everyone. Start the discussions about co-parenting early in the process, making lists of important yearly dates for each of you, vacation times if you know them, how to handle school breaks, and more. Consider creating a shared calendar where events and other important happenings can be noted, as well as any other important scheduling (such as school drop off and pick up).

Respect & Compassion

Agreeing not to speak poorly of the other parent and show respect - especially in front of your children - is extremely important to co-parenting your child. Be willing to compromise, show compassion, and be understanding when things don't go as planned. Every decision you make around your child will impact them.

Be Willing To Revisit The Co-Parenting Plan

Situations change and kids grow up, and, as those things happen - and they will! - be willing to come back to the negotiating table and make changes to the co-parenting plan that will make everyone's lives easier. Be willing to adapt to your child's changing schedules, extra curricular activities, interests, and hobbies, as well.

Calendars Are Important Tools

Technology allows us to now have digital calendars that can be shared and edited by anyone in the group, and these are a great way to keep everyone in the loop regarding plans. Making a hard copy to keep in each home isn't a bad idea, either, particularly if you or your family isn't tech savvy.

Agree On House Rules

Children need consistency, and one of the most important areas where things need to be consistent is house rules. These rules can run the gamut from when it is appropriate to watch TV or browse the Internet, time limits on video games and related activities, how and when homework needs to be done, and more. Being lenient with the rules can cause stress in the children and be problematic in both households, as one parent may be seen as "more strict" than the other if the rules aren't enforced consistently in both homes.

Big Picture

In the end, the most important thing is to make your time with your children as stress-free as possible so that you can make treasured memories with your children while you're together instead of focusing on annoyances, slights, or irritations from the other parent, which only causes resentment and isn't productive. Try to make your time with your child about spending time with them first and foremost; the time goes by too quickly!

If you need advice or assistance with creating a co-parenting plan, custody issues, visitation, or child support, the family law attorneys in our network of law firms across the US and Canada can help! Getting advice from a legal professional whenever you're dealing with issues surrounding your children is of the utmost importance, and you can get advice tailored to your specific situation for no additional fee when you become a member of our Legal protection Plans for Individuals & Families.

Going Through A Divorce? Seven Things To Remember

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Divorce rates have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic, up 34% from years prior. Divorce is never easy, but getting the right advice for your specific situation can make the process a little less stressful. Members of our Legal Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families can get advice about divorce and separation and all other areas of family law included with their monthly subscription fee. Learn more about this fantastic benefit and read on for a few divorce tips.

Put The Children First

If you have minor children, all divorce decisions should be made with the best interests of the children first and foremost. Prioritize the needs of the children and be ready to compromise for their benefit wherever possible.

Know What You're Willing To Give Up & What You Want

Deciding what you need and want is one of the most important things to do when preparing to go through the process of divorce. Make a list of what you need to have, what you want to have, and what you'd be willing to give up and where you have room to compromise so that you will have a list when it is time for negotiations.

Uncontested Divorce Requires Working Together

Mediation can make the entire process of divorce as smooth as possible. In mediation, you and your spouse will work together to agree to terms of the split, including child support and custody, visitation, division of property, alimony, and more. Instead of communicating through representatives (like attorneys), you can talk directly to each other in a controlled environment to lessen stress and strife, lower the risk of miscommunication.

Collaborative Divorce As An Option

A collaborative divorce provides more protection than mediation but is still a cooperative effort between the divorcing parties. A collaborative divorce allows for attorneys to be present but the attorneys promise to work to amicable resolve all areas of disagreement.

Counseling

You don't have to carry the burden of a stressful divorce alone, and therapists can provide substantial benefits through a trying time. When your mental health is in the right place, you can make better, less emotional, decisions for yourself and for any children you might have.

Financial Records

One of the major areas of scrutiny in a divorce is finances, so it will be important to have your financial records and assets in order before you begin. Gather documents, such as tax returns, credit scores, debts, assets, recent bank statements, investments, and other financial records.

Get Legal Counsel

Getting a divorce should never be a DIY proposition, particularly if you have assets and/or children. Mistakes can be very costly and the law is complex. This is an area where you won't want to take a chance that everything will just work out. Hire an attorney who is well-versed in family law in your state, who knows the ins and outs of the legal system where you live, and who can advise you of your rights and responsibilities under the law every step of the way.

Members of our Legal Subscription Protection Plans can get comprehensive legal support through a divorce at no additional charge. Get the legal guidance you need without breaking the bank by signing up for our Legal Protection Plans today. Learn more about all the benefits for Individuals & Families or Sign Up Now!

Changing A Child Support Agreement

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Child support agreements are legal documents that are often put in place to make sure that children and those who care for them have access to financial resources needed for shelter, food, clothing, education, health care, and more. But as situations (and the children) grow and change, so, too, does the need to change or amend child support agreements. These changes need not be stressful; communicating and working together toward a successful outcome with the best interests of the children in mind can mean that changes to a child support order can be done easily. Failing to communicate or an unwillingness to compromise can lead to broken agreements, resentment, and a loss of time and money for both parties if the disagreement goes to court. If you need to make adjustments to your child support agreement - or make one in the first place - your provider attorney will be able to assist you in all phases of the process, as well as with other areas of family and personal law through our Legal Subscription Plans.

How Are Child Support Agreements Made?

When parents separate, one parent may become the sole or primary care giver and the child lives with that parent. The parent that does not live with the child usually has some kind of financial obligation to pay toward the care of their child. How much the non-custodial parent pays varies based on state-to-state guidelines. The income of both parents is taken into account and the needs to the child or children involved is also considered. Taking that information, a judge decides on an amount for the on-custodial parent to pay in child support.

Another way that child support agreements can be made is when the parents work together and reach their own arrangement for child support. This plan is then given to a judge to review and put in place officially and legally. If the parents have trouble communicating with each other for one reason or another, they also have the option of negotiating through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution services. Regardless of how the agreement is reached, it must always be approved by a judge in family court.

Reasons A Child Support Arrangement Can Be Changed

The lives of parents and children can change over time, and, depending on what those changes are, it may be a good idea to review or change a child support agreement. Some common reasons for amending a child support agreement are:

• A change in employment by one or both parents

• A change in the child's expenses or needs

• One parent has another child from another relationship

• One or both parents remarry

• A change to parenting time

This last item is important to look at a little more closely. If one parent takes on more parenting responsibilities in the care of a child they may be entitled to seek a lesser child support amount in relation to the increased time and/or money spent contributing to their child's care.

Just like when the original agreement was made, parents have the option of reaching their own agreement to take to the judge for approval. When one parent seeks a change independent of the other parent, the parent seeking the change will have to file a motion with the family court to make a change to the existing agreement, and then that request will have to be approved by a judge.

Legal Help For Changing Child Support Orders

A child support order is an important matter for parents, and, while it is important for both parents to work together towards an agreement if it is at all possible, it is also important that you have expert advice to make sure that the new agreement will protect the rights and responsibilities of all the parties involved, most importantly, the children. It is crucial that the new agreement is legal and will be approved by the court.

Divorce is almost always stressful to one degree or another, and more so when children are involved. Parents usually need legal advice while going through the process of divorce and figuring out what works for them and their children in terms of custody and financial support. While having a lawyer on retainer is often outside the budget for many people, with our Legal Subscription Plans for Individuals and Families, you can work with your provider attorney for all your family law issues - including child support, child custody, divorce, alimony, and more - for just one low, monthly fee of $29.95. You will be able to contact your attorney 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, have telephone consultations, document review, and more. Learn more about the benefits of membership in our legal protection plans or sign up today!

Legally Adopting A Child

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To legally adopt a child, you will need to understand the process in order to make important choices regarding the options available to you. The process and costs can vary depending on your state of residence, the type of adoption, and a few other factors, but regardless of those details, you always have the right to consult with your lawyer for advice and support throughout the process. An experienced, dedicated attorney specializing in adoption and family law can guide you through every step of the adoption process in your state, and, as a member of our legal subscription plans, you will be able to ask your attorney an unlimited number of questions regarding adoptions, get advice, get help with paperwork, have letters written on your behalf, and more, at no additional cost. In the meantime, here is a brief look at some of the aspects of adoption:

The Legal Process

Completing a profile of your family and home will help match you with children waiting to be adopted. Adoptions of infants will most likely be private domestic adoptions, while older children tend to be adopted through either international channels or through a state's foster system. Older children are sometimes part of a group of siblings hoping to be adopted together. Assistance may be available for families adopting children with special needs.

Domestic or International Adoption Services

As you might imagine, the process of adoption is more straightforward with domestic adoptions than with international adoptions. International adoptions often have more steps and may require international travel for at least one - and possibly both - potential parents. Once agency requirements are met and your home and family profile is completed, your family will be placed on a list for referral to adopt a child. Your preferences may be taken into account by the agency considering placement, but the agency ultimately chooses the child it feels will be the best fit for your home.

Private or State Adoptions

Private adoptions typically involve working with a private agency and/or a lawyer, while adoption processes through states involve working with government agencies. Because social services are primarily concerned with reuniting children with biological parent(s), private adoptions generally have shorter waiting periods than adoptions from state foster systems, particularly for infants and very young children. In the case of older children who have been in the state foster care system for a long time, biological parents may have already given up their parental rights, and this may make the adoption of older children faster and easier. In many cases, you may foster the child for months or even years before they return to their biological families or you get permission to adopt.

Open or Closed Adoptions

The amount and frequency of contact or the type and kind of information shared with adoptive families from birth parents are the main differences between open and closed adoptions. Open adoptions mean that birth parents may maintain some contact with the child, and/or receive updates and photographs of and about the child over time. In closed adoptions, information is sealed, and contact is restricted at least until the child reaches the age of majority. International adoptions are typically closed adoptions, while domestic adoptions may have room for negotiation with the birth parents to decide the type and kind of contact, interaction, and information exchanged.

Preparing To Adopt

After you begin the adoption process, there is a requirement of a home study or profile that must be completed. This ensures the fitness of the prospective parents, the ability to care for the child's needs, and more. A typical home study may include:

• Federal and state background checks

• Financial review

• A visit to your home

• Medical evaluations of both parents

• Interviews with all adults living in the home

These home studies or profiles are typically completed by a social worker who then submits recommendations to the adoption agency and the court. When a child is in the foster care system, this process is usually completed before a child is placed in the home.

Legal Adoption

The process of a legal adoption transfers the rights and responsibilities of biological parents to adoptive families, and the process differs slightly from state to state. It is important to discuss adoptions with your provider attorney familiar with the process in your state to better understand what to expect.

Getting Consent from Biological Parents

The process of getting consent from biological parents can often be difficult, time consuming, and often unknown. This step isn't always needed in every case; if a child's biological parents have passed away, the court waives the need for their consent, or if they have already given up their parental rights, you will be able to skip this step. If you work through an adoption agency, the agency usually handles this step if it is needed. In most international adoptions, this step will most likely already have taken place. Because laws regarding parental rights vary from state to state, you should speak to a qualified attorney about the laws in your state.

More Complicated Process For International Adoptions

Typically, international and state adoptions have more steps than private adoptions, but when adopting internationally, the child's country of birth may handle the adoption process. If both adoptive parents are able to travel, they may complete this process in that country and return to the US on an IH-3 visa. Lawyers often still recommend completing the adoption process in your state of residence so that local, state, and federal governments recognize the child as yours and a US resident.

Filing For Adoption

Adoption agencies can help you fill out paperwork relating to your adoption, and documentation of certain information may be required. To finalize the adoption, you will need to appear in court in front of a judge. The child will also need to be present, and you will answer questions under oath regarding your ability to support and raise the child, your rights and responsibilities as a parent, and more. Your attorney can help you prepare for this process.

Work With An Adoption Attorney

No matter where you are on your adoption journey, your legal subscription plan membership gives you access to dedicated, qualified, experienced adoption attorneys familiar with the laws and regulations of adoption in your state. While the process of adoption can be confusing and complicated, it can be so rewarding, and so much easier with the help of your provider attorney. Learn more about our legal subscription plans or sign up today!

When You Need To Change A Custody Order

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It is always possible to change a custody order, and it may be in your best interests to work with a family law attorney to help you with the process. Several factors go in to determining how difficult a change to a custody order can be, including how cooperative the other parent will be. There are simple cases where all that is needed is to be able to come to an agreement with the other parent, having your attorney prepare a petition for the court to modify custody, and having a judge sign the court order. Other times, parents may need to complete additional steps, including the possibility of mediation or a court hearing. Having an attorney on your side can help, including convincing a judge of an urgent situation that makes changing the custody order imperative. Members of our legal subscription plans for individuals and families have access to dedicated, qualified family law attorneys who can advise you and guide you through the process for just one low, monthly fee. Plus, you can speak to your provider law firm on an unlimited number of legal issues without ever paying more. Here is some more information on common issues in changing a custody order.

Reasons A Custody Order Might Get Changed

A judge may make a change to a child custody agreement for a few reasons:

• The current arrangement is difficult for one or both parents

• A parent's work schedule has changed

• A parent is moving to another state

• The existing agreement is no longer in the child's best interests

• The current order does not provide for quality time with one parent and/or provide for proper supervision

• The child is struggling in school

• The environment the child is living in has become unsafe, unclean, or is otherwise an unfit environment for the child

• The child's school schedule or extra curricular schedule has changed significantly

• One parent is deliberately blocking the other parent from court-ordered parenting time

• One parent has significant medical, physical, or mental health challenges

• One or both parents are having difficulty following the current parenting plan or one parent is not following the plan for visitation and/or custody

• Things that contribute to the child's well-being - such as visitation, child support, or other items - need modifications

The court may agree and grant a new order, but there are cases where the other parent will need to agree to the new arrangements.

When Can I Request A Custody Modification?

Though it varies from state to state, there usually needs to have been some kind of substantial change in circumstances and that it is in the best interest of the child or children to review and modify the custody order. If you feel that your child is in danger, you should seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney to seek a change in the parenting plan, as it may require filing a motion with the court and a hearing.

What Constitutes A "Material or Significant Change In Circumstances"?

Generally, a significant change in circumstances means changes that:

• Have occurred since the parenting plan was put in place

• Contributed negatively on the child's health, school, or other factors

• Caused significant impact on the child's day-to-day life

• Will benefit the child if the plan is altered

Documentation of the circumstances will usually be required. An attorney can help you understand the requirements in your state.

What If Both Parents Can Reach An Agreement?

When both parents agree on a change to the parenting plan, the court will usually approve the change if it benefits the child or children.  If you can reach a satisfactory agreement with the other parent, make your plan official with a modified court order:

• Write down the details of your new plan

• Have your attorney review the plan to make sure it meets your state's requirements

• Have your lawyer draw up documents

• Both parents must approve the final plan

• File paperwork with the court and set a hearing if needed

• Prepare for the hearing if you need one

• Have the judge sign the new order and file it

If you and the other parent are not able to reach an agreement, one option is mediation. An agreement reached in mediation will probably require a hearing; an attorney can help you understand your rights and what steps you need to take.

When Parents Cannot Agree

If there have been substantial changes in circumstances and you need a modification of your custody order, but the other parent doesn't agree ot rejects your proposal, you may need to collect documentation of the change in circumstances and file it with the court in order to make the changes. Laws vary from state to state, but you may be required to meet with a mediator to try to reach an agreement with the other parent. If the case ends up in court, you may need the following:

• Documentation or evidence of the changes in circumstances

• Proof of negative impacts on the child or children

• Your proposed plan for custody modification

Your attorney will be able to help you identify types and kids of evidence that will be needed in court to build an argument for modification. This may include documents or witnesses to the effects of the change in circumstances. Evidence may include:

• Photographs or video illustrating your concerns

• Report cards

• Disciplinary records from your child's school

• Testimony from doctors, teachers, therapists or other third parties

Our legal subscription plan members have access to experienced family law attorneys to help address legal concerns regarding child custody orders, including giving you advice on what documentation to collect and how to navigate the system in your state. Your lawyer will be able to explain your options based on your unique situation and you can call your attorney on an unlimited number of legal matters. Learn more about all the benefits of being a member of our legal subscription plans for individuals and families or sign up today!

Divorce: What You Need To Know

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There are many reasons that couples seek divorce, and while divorce can often be a good thing in the long run, it is important to protect your rights and assets, no matter how amicable the split is. If you are considering divorce and worry about the costs of a divorce lawyer, our legal subscription plans may be right for you. Your provider attorney can give you advice and answer questions, write letters and compose statements and court documents on your behalf, all for one low, monthly fee. In the meantime, here are some important issues to think about if you're thinking about divorce:

A Contested Divorce

A divorce is contested when there are issues related to the marriage that the parties cannot agree upon. Common areas of dispute include property division, child support, visitation, child custody, spousal support, and other assets. These can include bank accounts, insurance, investments, real property, retirement accounts, automobiles and other vehicles, and more. During a contested divorce, there is a period of extensive discovery, in which ownership records must be provided, usually going back for several years prior to the divorce, and sometimes, decades. This can drastically increase the cost of getting divorced, and the more that the parties fight, the longer it will go on, and the more that it will cost.

Counseling

When couples have minor children, divorces can be particularly contentious, regardless of whether or not the divorce is contested. Divorce counseling can help parents by creating an atmosphere where negotiation and compromise can happen, minimizing the impacts on the children, improving communication, establishing a parenting plan, and, ultimately, saving you time and money.

Mediation

Divorces can be emotionally draining, and contested divorces - ones in which there are areas of dispute, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, property distribution, etc - even more so. Many attorneys charge a minimum retainer of $3,000 or more just to begin working on a contested divorce, and can charge rates up to $450 per hour. Mediation early in the process can reduce or even eliminate contested issues, allowing couples to agree on compromises and saving money for both parties. Approach mediation with your list of items, but also be willing to compromise where you can.

Spousal Support

While some states have a formula for dealing with property division and spousal support, some states do not, and this makes some contested divorces unpredictable. Your provider attorney will be able to help you understand the laws in your state as they pertain to your particular situation.

Separation

In some states, a "no fault" divorce requires the parties to live separately and apart for a set period of time before the divorce is finalized. This period can be extended if the divorcing couple has minor children of the marriage.

What Is The Court's Role?

The courts dissolve the marriage, distribute property, and ensure the best interests of any minor children are addressed. Courts will not "punish" a spouse.

There are many and varied issues and details that can affect the emotional and financial costs of getting a divorce. If you are considering divorce, you can call your provider attorney at any time and ask an unlimited number of questions pertaining to your divorce at no additional charge. Learn more about our legal subscription plans for individuals and families, or sign up today!

Child Custody - Seven Things You Should Know

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When relationships end, there can be difficulties, and those issues can be harder when children are involved. Most people have questions about child custody in these cases, and, as a member of our legal subscription plans, you'll be able to ask all your child custody questions to a qualified, experienced, family law attorney at no additional cost. But here is a general overview of things you'll want to keep in mind:

Married Couples Maintain Equal Parenting Rights

Unless otherwise ordered by a court, parental rights over children are maintained. Many parents separate before filing for divorce, and either parent can file with the court to be named the custodial parent, and the other parent would receive non-custodial visitation. It is important to put the needs of the children as the number one priority, regardless of other grievances.

The Court Is Concerned With The Child's Best Interests

The court will evaluate several factors when deciding which parent should get custody, including the wishes of the parents, which parent can provide the safest and most stable environment for the children, and, in some cases, if the children are old enough, the wishes of the children, but this varies from court to court. Today, more modern practices are often applied to custody cases. It used to be assumed that children under the age of four should be with their mothers, but more modern thinking has led to joint custody being the standard arrangement.

There Is A Difference Between Physical and Legal Custody

Physical custody is defined as which parent the child lives with and deals with the day-to-day needs of the child while the other parent has visitation rights. Legal custody refers to an arrangement of which parent makes the major decisions about a child's life; today, this is typically a joint custody arrangement. Legal custody has no bearing on physical custody.

Non-Custodial Parents Are Usually Granted Visitation Rights

Most child custody cases grant the non-custodial parent the right to visitation with the child or children, and this can take many forms, and is usually negotiated by the courts between the parents if the parents cannot make a visitation and custody plan themselves for some reason. There are rare circumstances where a court will prohibit the non-custodial parent from having visitation, and those rare occasions usually involve cases of emotional or physical abuse, or some living situation that makes it an unfit environment for the child. Some visitation rights in these cases are restricted, such as rules that visitation must take place with witnesses or at a certain, agreed-upon location or for a certain, agreed-upon amount of time.

Courts Are Giving More Consideration to Father's Rights

Father's rights have been somewhat contentious, as, in the past, it was assumed that the mothers were primary caregivers and fathers have felt dismissed when it comes to the topic of child custody. As society has changed, the courts have adopted more modern thinking, and courts are giving more consideration to maintaining a father's presence in children’s lives. If you feel that your rights as a father have been violated, talk to your attorney who may be able to give you advice on your specific child custody issue.

Parenting Plans Make Custody and Visitation Simple

Parenting plans are agreements that are negotiated by the parents that lay out custody, visitation, holiday schedules, and more. A parenting plan can be submitted to the court ahead of a custody decision. If the court approves the plan, it is incorporated into the custody order.

Remarriage and Blended Families

New family dynamics can take some figuring out and getting used to, and managing emotions is as important as the legal aspects involved. Once families transition into a new dynamic, custody agreements sometimes need to change, as well. While getting remarried doesn't necessarily mean that you'll need to change your custody arrangement, there are situations where it is needed, such as if the new family needs to move to another state or jurisdiction for work. Having an experienced child custody attorney on your side to discuss these changes might ease these transitions, so you can go into a renegotiation of custody agreements prepared.

Child custody issues are never easy, but having a lawyer well versed in child custody and family law when you are negotiating custody, visitation, or trying to get a new custody arrangement will put your mind at ease. You can ask unlimited questions pertaining to child custody, visitation, and more at no additional cost when you're a member of our legal subscription plans. Learn more about this essential benefit today, or sign up now!

August is National "Make a Will" Month - Create Yours Now!

Get Your Estate Plan for Just $359.40!
Learn More About Our Estate Planning Special!

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To make your estate planning process easier, we're running a special that lets you create your will with a dedicated, experienced estate planning attorney for just $299.40! Most law offices charge thousands of dollars for just this service, but you can not only get your estate planning done for one low fee, you will also get a year's worth of service from our individuals and families legal subscription plan! You will have the peace of mind of knowing that your will is complete, legal, and ready with the help of our network of attorneys as well as being able to have your attorney look over other documents, help you with consumer finance issues, settle disputes, and much more! Take a look at the list of services available to our individuals and families legal plan subscribers at this link.

Summer is a great time to cross items off your "to-do" list, and, while making out your will might seem like more of a chore than a fun summer activity, creating your will doesn't have to be complicated, difficult, or expensive, and, no matter where you are in your estate planning, there are things you can do right now to save you time and money, and to spare legal hassles for your loved ones in the future.

Organize your thoughts and create a draft of your wishes

It isn't just wealthy, elderly persons with mansions who need a will; age and income are irrelevant when it comes to who needs to have a will. Your will doesn't need to be a lengthy, intimidating legal document. If you own assets or have children, a will is one of the most important documents you need to have. Make a list of your assets - such as bank accounts, houses, vehicles, even pets - and to whom you'd like them to go. Start thinking about trustworthy individuals you can appoint to important roles in your will. Thinking about financial and health care powers of attorney and to whom you would want to make those decisions on your behalf is a good idea at this phase, too.

Have Contingency Plans

As you select important roles for loved ones carrying out your final wishes - such executor of your will, who has your power of attorney, who will have custody of your children, if you have any - think about second and third options in the event that something happens to your first choices down the road. These aren't fun things to think about, but taking care of them now will make a stressful situation less complicated in the future.

When you become a subscriber to our legal subscription plans, drafting your will is easy, and you know that it will be enforceable in your state of residence, as you will get to work with attorneys who know how estate law is applied in your state. Since laws governing wills, estates, and probate vary from state to state, it is invaluable to have a legal professional in your corner when drafting your will.

From our app, sign in and click "Start Will." Fill out the short questionnaire and an attorney in your area will get in touch to go over your answers. From there, your attorney will prepare your will for your review in as little as five business days. You will have the opportunity to make changes and finalize the document. Once filed, keep your copy in a safe, secure, accessible place. Your will also comes with a Living Will (also known as a healthcare directive) and Financial Directive (durable power of attorney) to put your mind at ease.

As your life changes, you may need to update your will, such as if you have children, get married, get divorced, buy a house, and more. Continuing to stay on as a legal plan subscriber gives you access to update your will whenever you need to at no additional charge. Learn more about our estate planning services here or you can sign up today!

Testimonials

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If you have ever had a problem with a neighbor, boss, creditor, bank, employee, or a business and wished that you could talk to an attorney about it, our legal subscription plans for individuals, families, and small businesses are a great, low-cost way to talk to attorneys at a fraction of what it might cost on your own.

 We all approach deals with a healthy dose of skepticism these days, and we often look to reviews of services before we jump in, and that's understandable. We have hundreds of stories of people who have been helped by our dedicated, experienced attorneys in our network. Our attorneys have over 22 years of experience on average, and have experience and skills needed to successfully resolve cases quickly, easily, and, thanks to our affordable subscription plans, economically, as well.

 Here are just a few of the things our members have told us about using our legal subscription services:

“I saved $1,000 by getting my will done for FREE using this service!”

“My cell service overcharged me $947 and I got a full refund through this service!”

“The advice I received resulted in removing a fraudulent error from my credit record which increased my credit score.”

“I was overcharged for 10 months after canceling my cable service, but received a full refund by using my membership.”

“I saved $600 by not having to pay for a contractor's unsatisfactory work.”

“With the advice of my attorney, I was able to save over $2,500 on a foreclosure.”

“By having the attorneys review my home purchase agreement, I saved over $6,000.”

“I faxed my lease agreement to the law firm and they found $1,200 in hidden costs. Thanks to my membership, I had them removed.”