As the need for affordable legal services becomes more important in today’s world, group legal insurance offered through workplace benefits is becoming more common. These group insurance plans provide free legal assistance from law firms that have contracted with the insurance company to provide legal work.
While group legal insurance might seem like an easy option to save on your family’s legal needs, it’s often inadequate for creating the kind of estate plan you really need to protect your assets, your choices, and your loved ones. In fact - the type of estate plan, will, or trust created through legal insurance programs could leave your family with a big mess.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All. When it comes to estate planning, if you have people you love and assets you care about, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all plan that works for you and your family. Four key documents in most estate plans include a will, trust, health care directive, and power of attorney, which must be tailored for your unique family needs. Then, additional planning, depending on the specifics of your family dynamics and nature of your assets need to be prepared to ensure your plan will actually work when your family needs it.
The type of cookie-cutter estate plan you are likely to receive through your group legal insurance simply won’t include the kind of comprehensive considerations and counseling necessary to deliver a plan that will serve you and your loved ones in the way you would want while keeping your family out of court and conflict.
Legal Insurance Nickel and Dimes. Many group legal insurance plans boast free legal services after your deductible is paid, but what isn’t revealed is the limit of the coverage that’s covered for free. The kind of plan you will receive is a mere set of documents, similar to what you could create yourself online, and not a customized, well-counseled plan that will be sure to work when your family needs it.
Estate planning isn’t something you do once, as your life will change, your assets will change, and the law will change. A legal insurance covered plan will not keep up with those changes. It’s crucial to coordinate your estate plan with the circumstances of your loved ones so that your wishes are honored and your assets are protected no matter how their situation changes over time.
Our holistic approach to serving you includes working closely with you and your family to understand what matters to you, your family’s dynamics and values, and your aspirations as a whole. If you want to make sure your loved ones are always cared for no matter what the future holds, call 718-514-7575 to schedule your planning session today.
Monet Binder, Esq., has her practice in Queens, dedicated to protecting families, their legacies, and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities. To learn more about how a power of attorney can help you, you can send her an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 718-514-7575.
