Why Regular People Need Legal Protection

Close up of a person’s hands as they sign a contract.

Life is chaotic, and you never know when an issue with legal implications could arise. Legal situations happen all throughout our lives - from the mundane, such as having your will drawn up, to emergency situations, such as being sued - and having legal protection in your pocket (literally!) can relieve stress and give you peace of mind that you're prepared for whatever life might throw at you. While having a lawyer on retainer is usually an expense that most people do without, with our legal subscription plans, you can have an attorney at the ready no matter what happens.

Having a lawyer on retainer can be expensive. Typically, this entails paying an attorney a lump sum of money to be at the ready if you have legal issues. You reserve a lawyer's availability to serve you if you need legal assistance, and the lawyer considers your retainer a deposit on the legal fees as they work on your case(s). As we mentioned earlier, this kind of legal protection is typically out of most household budgets, and attorney fees can be hundreds of dollars per hour and use up your retainer deposit very quickly.

With our legal protection plans, you pay one low, monthly fee and have access to qualified, dedicated, experienced attorneys from our network of law firms across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our legal subscription plans are affordable, on-demand legal services and our partnerships with leading law firms means that our members get legal advice and representation at a lower cost.

Our legal protection plans cover consultations and representation in a wide range of legal matters that are important to individuals and families as well as small businesses. Everyone will eventually have some kind of legal issue, and our plans cover:

• Residential loans

• Auto accidents

• Speeding tickets and other traffic violations

• Wills, living wills, and estate planning

• Name changes

• Divorce, separation, and support

• Child custody, visitation, and support

• Adoptions

• Powers of attorney

• Trial defense in civil lawsuits*

• Bankruptcy

• Taxes and audits

• Consumer finance issues

• Contracts and agreements

• And more

And, as a member of our legal protection subscription plans, you will also be able to:

• Speak with an attorney on an unlimited number of legal issues

• Have your attorney make calls and write letters on your behalf

• Have your lawyer review documents, contracts, and agreements

• Have your attorney write or draft documents, contracts, agreements, and filings

• Have your whole family who lives with you covered for the same fee, including pre-existing issues

• Cancel at any time with no penalty

Our legal plans give you access to an on-call network of attorneys familiar with the laws of your state, and with our handy app, you literally have a lawyer in your back pocket! Legal fees can add up quickly, but with our legal subscription plans, you're covered for almost every situation for just one low, monthly fee. The service pays for itself the very first time you use it, and you are able to create an estate plan - including a will, advance directives, trusts, and more - at no additional charge once you sign up. Learn more about our subscription plans for individuals and families or sign up now! You won't regret it!

*Trial defense is not available in all states. Contact us about limitations based on your state of residence.

Legal Advice for Pet Owners

A blonde dog sit in a chair next to someone typing on a laptop.

Pets bring us so much joy and fun, and, occasionally, headaches, too. While most problems with pets are no big deal, there are a few times where problems with pets can lead to legal issues. If you need help with a legal issue surrounding your pet, as a member of our legal subscription plans, you can call your provider attorney and get advice, get answers to an unlimited number of questions, and more, all for one low, monthly fee. In the meantime, here are some tips for pet owners:

Maintain Control of Your Pet At All Times

You may be legally responsible for damage caused by your pet, especially if your pet has a history of biting humans, attacking other pets, or having an aggressive demeanor. You may also be responsible if your pet damages property, including scratching or denting cars.

Follow Your Local Pet Laws

Know if your locality has a leash law and follow it. Make sure you understand the requirements of any leash laws, any required pet tags or licenses, and inoculations. Complying with local pet laws can help you avoid citations and/or appearances in court.

Understand Your Local Pet Nuisance Laws

If there are pet nuisance laws where you live, it is important that you understand them and what they require of pet owners. Nuisance laws can include excessive noise, cleaning up after your pets, and making sure your pet doesn't dig or otherwise damage neighboring properties. By knowing and following these laws, you can avoid fines, court, and disputes with your neighbors.

Know Your Local Laws About Breeding

If you intend to breed your pets, make sure you know and understand the local laws about breeding. These laws can vary widely between localities so it is important to check into these laws, especially if you're moving to a new area.

Know Your Pet-Related Lease Terms

If you are renting a home or apartment, you should review the terms of your rental contract or lease in regards to your pets. Some terms included in leases and rental agreements regarding pets often include security deposits for pets, limits to the number of pets you can have on premises, limits on the weight of animals, restrictions on the type or kind of pets, and more. Make sure that you know these terms before you sign or before you adopt a pet. If you live where there is a homeowners' association, you may need to review the terms of that agreement, too, making sure you understand the rules and bylaws of the HOA in regards to pets.

Know What Your Pet Insurance Covers

Read through all the terms and conditions of your pet insurance policy to make sure that all your areas of concern are covered by your policy. Discuss your coverage with your vet and make sure that your policy covers your pet's issues and the costs associated with caring for your pet. Your provider attorney can also review your insurance policy and contracts at no additional fee as long as you're a member of our legal subscription plans.

When There's A Disagreement Involving Your Pet

Remain calm and stay rational during any disagreement about a pet, whether you're the pet owner or have been injured by someone else's pet. It is important to deal with the issue in a calm, civil manner as disputes involving pets can often become emotional and escalate quickly.

If you have questions or concerns about legal issues surrounding pet ownership, your provider attorney is available to answer your questions and give advice on an unlimited number of topics as long as you're a member. For one low, monthly fee, you can contact your attorney for advice on contracts, policies, and the law and put your mind at ease. Learn more about our legal subscription plans for families and individuals or sign up today!

Top Five Most-Searched Legal Questions

Close up of hands on a desk, two people discussing paperwork

Life can be confusing and chaotic, so when something happens that impacts us legally, we often have legal questions, and it can be hard to know where to turn for answers. For many people, just calling up your lawyer and asking your questions doesn't even occur to us, mainly because most people don't have a lawyer on retainer. But our legal subscription plans can change all of that. For one low, monthly fee you can ask your provider attorney an unlimited number of legal questions at no additional charge. It's simple to sign up, but, in the meantime, here are the five most-searched legal questions and some brief answers:

Are traffic violations considered criminal or civil matters?

Traffic violations are considered criminal matters, and the penalties are obligations the offender will have to the state for violating the law. In these cases, the state can be a local township, city, municipality, county, state, or federal government. It is important to note that, unless the crime you have committed is dangerous to public safety, threatens the lives of other motorists, or some other major violation, the traffic officer will just give you a ticket.

Is there a statute of limitations for debt collectors to sue for payment?

While the duration of a statute of limitations for debt varies depending on where you live, most places do impose a statute of limitations on debt. If the debt is older than the statute of limitations, any debt collector would be wasting time, effort, and money to sue to collect debts.

How am I empowered by a living will?

A living will - or advance directive - serves as a document to make your medical decisions and wishes known if you are unable to for some reason. With a living will, healthcare and other providers will be able to follow your instructions regarding your care and treatment options, and a living will can be used as evidence in court if your wishes are challenged.

How does a landlord/tenant relationship end?

Typically, leases state that either party can end the landlord/tenant relationship by giving the other party written notice that the lease will not be renewed. The agreement usually states how many days notice must be given prior to the end of the lease in order for the termination notice to be effective. If all parties to the lease are in agreement, the lease may be terminated early. Other ways a lease agreement can be terminated early include disasters (such as a fire or flooding), or if one or more parties are in violation of the terms of the agreement or breaches the contract. The agreement will usually detail the rights and remedies for all parties involved, dependent on the nature and cause of the termination and other provisions of the lease. If your lease has expired without a renewal, other notice provisions may apply.

How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

A personal injury case hinges on a few factors, such as:

• How the injury occurred

• Who is at fault

• The extent of the injuries

Personal injury cases are often complex and should be reviewed by an attorney specializing in personal injury claims.

To get answers to your specific legal questions, become a member of our legal subscription plans today and get access to advice and services from qualified, experienced attorneys about an unlimited number of topics, as well as many more benefits. Learn more about our legal subscription plans or sign up today!

Seven Reasons People Change Their Names

Man signing paperwork

Name changes can have a many reasons; marriage and divorce are probably the most common reasons a person changes their name, but name changes are more common than most people think. Having an attorney to walk you through the legal considerations and the process makes changing your name quick and easy, and, as a subscriber to our legal subscription plans, you'll be able to talk to a qualified attorney about a name change at no additional cost.

People Change Their Names When They Get Married

In most states and provinces, the process of changing your name when you get married is usually fairly simple, but the process might not be as simple for same-sex couples, if a husband takes his wife's name, or in some other, unique situations. Most states and provinces have a streamlined process for either partner to change their name when they get married. It has become more common over time for couples to take on a hyphenated version of both their surnames or to create an entirely new surname when they get married. Depending on your state or province, you may need to fill out a simple form, but some states have an involved process to navigate. If you didn’t change your legal name when you got married and later want to, you will need to file paperwork with the court to do so.

People Change Their Names When They Get Divorced

Traditionally, when a woman took her husband's surname when they got married, she would often want to go back to using her maiden name or another name if they ever were to divorce. Some women want to keep the same surname as their children, but if you want to change your name when you get divorced, most states give you that option during the divorce proceedings. If you got divorced and didn’t change your name during the divorce proceedings and later want to, you will need to petition a court to do so.

People Change Their Names Because They Don't Like Them

It's a common misconception that you are stuck with the name your parents gave you. If you hate your name, dislike having your name mispronounced or misspelled, or go by another name that you'd like to use in a legal capacity, you can always change your name to something you like better. For instance, if you go by a middle name, use a nickname in your day-to-day life, or have a difficult-to-spell or difficult-to-pronounce name, a legal name change might be a good choice.

People Change Their Names For Personal Branding

Performers such as musicians, actors, radio or TV personalities, writers, influencers on social media, and others who become well known by a pseudonym, stage name, or pen name may want to change their names legally, not only for personal legal matters, but also to effectively be able to protect their brand and business. Many people are known online by a name they created or a "handle" for online interactions, and if you are known by this name professionally, it might be a good idea to legally change your name to your chosen moniker.

People Change Their Children's Surnames

There are many reasons that parents may want to change their child's surname, including when a parent meets a child later in life, or if the parents get married after the child is born, or if you adopt your spouse's child.

People Change Their Names Due To Discrimination

It's a sad fact, but people are sometimes judged by their names alone. This is particularly true for job seekers, and, while it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their race, country of origin, or nationality, employers sometimes dismiss applications from people whose names are foreign, difficult to pronounce, or hard to spell. The inverse can also happen, where people want to reclaim their culture or family heritage and revert to their cultural names before their ancestors immigrated, for instance.

People Change Names To Match Their Personal Pronouns

People who are transgender often grew up with a name that they feel does not suit them and may wish to legally change their name to formally and legally begin their new life.

If you're considering a name change, as a member of our legal subscription plans, you can speak to a dedicated, qualified attorney about all the legal aspects of your name change at no additional cost. Your lawyer will walk you through the process for changing your name in your state or province of residence, prepare the paperwork, and make sure that it gets filed properly. Learn more about our legal subscription plans for individuals and families or sign up today!