Let's talk about something incredibly important that many of us think we don't need until we desperately do: legal assistance! And specifically, how MetLife Legal Plans can be a game-changer. You might be wondering, "How much does a MetLife Legal Plan cost?" – and that's a brilliant question, because knowing the cost is the first step towards understanding its immense value.
Imagine this: you're faced with a sudden legal issue. Maybe it's drafting a will, dealing with a property dispute, or even a stressful traffic ticket. Without a legal plan, you're looking at potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in attorney fees. The average hourly rate for an attorney can be upwards of $391! Now, picture having access to experienced lawyers for a fraction of that cost, with no hidden fees or copays for covered matters. That's the power of a MetLife Legal Plan.
This comprehensive guide will break down the costs, benefits, and the step-by-step process of enrolling in and utilizing a MetLife Legal Plan.
Understanding MetLife Legal Plan Costs: More Affordable Than You Think!
One of the most appealing aspects of MetLife Legal Plans is their affordability, especially when compared to the typical out-of-pocket expenses for legal services. While exact costs can vary slightly based on your employer's specific plan offerings and location, here's a general idea of what you can expect:
Step 1: Discovering the Typical Monthly Premium
Have you ever thought about how much you spend on coffee or streaming services each month? Now, consider that for a similar amount, you could have access to a legal professional whenever you need one.
MetLife Legal Plans are often offered as an employee benefit, and the cost is typically deducted directly from your paycheck, making it incredibly convenient. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $16.50 to $24.30 per month.
Base Plan: Some employers offer a Base Plan which might be around $12.30 to $14.50 per month.
Enhanced Plan: An Enhanced Plan usually falls in the range of $18.30 to $22.50 per month, offering broader coverage.
Enhanced Plan with Plus Parents: For those looking to extend coverage to their parents, this plan can be around $20.50 to $24.30 per month. This is a fantastic value if you have aging parents who might need legal assistance.
The key takeaway here is that for less than a dollar a day, you can secure comprehensive legal protection for yourself and your family. This is a significant saving compared to the average attorney's hourly fee.
Step 2: Understanding What's Included (and What's Not)
It's crucial to know what you're getting for your monthly premium. MetLife Legal Plans are designed to cover a wide array of common personal legal matters.
Sub-heading: Fully Covered Services – No Copays, No Deductibles, No Claim Forms!
One of the biggest perks of using a network attorney for covered matters is that there are no copays, no deductibles, and no claim forms. This means you don't pay anything extra at the time of service for these matters.
Here's a glimpse of the extensive list of covered services:
Estate Planning: This is a major one for many people. It includes drafting Wills (simple and complex), Living Wills, Powers of Attorney (financial, healthcare, childcare, immigration), Healthcare Proxies, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, and even assistance with probate avoidance documents. You can often create these documents online in as little as 15 minutes!
Home & Real Estate: From buying or selling a home (including primary, second, or vacation homes) to dealing with mortgages, refinancing, property tax assessments, boundary disputes, eviction defense, and security deposit assistance, this category is incredibly valuable.
Family & Personal Matters: This covers a broad range, including adoption, name changes, prenuptial agreements, guardianship, personal property protection, review of any personal legal document, and even protection from domestic violence.
Money Matters: Legal assistance for debt collection defense, negotiations with creditors, personal bankruptcy, promissory notes, tax audit representation, and identity theft defense are all included.
Vehicle & Driving: Need help with a traffic ticket defense (excluding DUI/DWI in some states), driving privileges restoration, or dealing with repossession? The plan can cover these too.
Civil Lawsuits: Coverage extends to civil litigation defense, disputes over consumer goods and services, small claims assistance, and more.
Elder Care Issues: For those with the "Plus Parents" option, this includes consultation and document review for parents regarding deeds, leases, Medicare, nursing home agreements, and wills.
Sub-heading: Out-of-Network Reimbursement
While using a MetLife network attorney offers the most benefits (unlimited use for covered matters with no additional fees), you do have the option to use an attorney outside their network. In such cases, MetLife will reimburse you for a portion of the costs based on a set fee schedule. You would be responsible for any difference between the reimbursement and the attorney's actual charges.
Step 3: How to Enroll in a MetLife Legal Plan
Enrolling in a MetLife Legal Plan is usually a straightforward process, primarily offered through your employer.
Sub-heading: During Open Enrollment or New-Hire Enrollment
The most common way to enroll is during your company's annual open enrollment period or as a new hire. Your employer will typically provide enrollment materials that detail the plan options and costs specific to your benefits package.
Sub-heading: Online Enrollment Portals
Many employers utilize online benefits portals. You'll usually:
Log on to your employer's benefits website.
Navigate to the "Legal Plan" or "Voluntary Benefits" section.
Select the MetLife Legal Plan option and choose your desired coverage level (e.g., individual, family, or with Plus Parents).
Complete the enrollment process, which may involve creating an account on the MetLife Legal Plans member portal if you haven't already.
Sub-heading: Payroll Deduction
Once enrolled, your monthly premiums will typically be conveniently deducted directly from your paycheck. This eliminates the need to remember to pay a separate bill.
Step 4: Utilizing Your MetLife Legal Plan: Getting the Help You Need
Once you're enrolled, accessing legal assistance is designed to be simple and efficient.
Sub-heading: Finding a Network Attorney
MetLife boasts a large network of over 18,000 experienced attorneys nationwide.
Create an account: Visit the MetLife Legal Plans member website (e.g., members.legalplans.com).
Search for an attorney: You can usually search by practice area, location, or even attorney name. The website will display attorneys who specialize in the type of legal matter you're facing.
Contact the attorney: Once you find an attorney, you can contact them directly to schedule an appointment. You can typically consult with network attorneys in person, by phone, or even by email.
Sub-heading: Digital Tools and Self-Help Resources
MetLife Legal Plans often provide valuable online tools beyond just attorney access:
Digital Estate Planning Solution: As mentioned, you can often create wills, living wills, and powers of attorney online.
Self-Help Document Library: Access a library of legal forms and documents to help you with various matters.
Law Firm E-Panel: For quick questions, you may be able to submit questions online to a network attorney and receive a response.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," with quick answers, to further clarify how MetLife Legal Plans work:
How to know if MetLife Legal Plan is offered by my employer?
Check your employee benefits package, contact your HR department, or log in to your company's benefits portal.
How to find a specific type of attorney through MetLife Legal Plans?
Once enrolled, log in to the MetLife Legal Plans member website, and use the "Find an Attorney" tool to search by legal matter (e.g., real estate, family law, estate planning) and location.
How to use the MetLife Legal Plan for unlimited consultations?
For covered matters with a network attorney, you have unlimited access and consultations without additional fees. Simply contact the attorney directly.
How to get reimbursed if I use an out-of-network attorney?
Contact MetLife Legal Plans Client Service Center for their out-of-network fee reimbursement schedule and instructions on how to submit your claim.
How to create a will online using MetLife Legal Plans?
Access the digital estate planning solution through the MetLife Legal Plans member website. You'll be guided through a series of questions to generate your documents.
How to add my spouse and dependents to my MetLife Legal Plan?
Typically, your plan automatically covers your spouse and dependent children at no extra cost under the standard plans. The "Plus Parents" option allows you to add parents and parents-in-law.
How to contact MetLife Legal Plans for customer service?
You can usually find their client service number on the MetLife Legal Plans website or in your enrollment materials. A common number is 800-821-6400.
How to know if a specific legal matter is covered by my plan?
Refer to your detailed plan description provided by your employer or log in to your MetLife Legal Plans member account to view your specific coverages.
How to cancel my MetLife Legal Plan?
Cancellation procedures are usually handled through your employer's HR department or benefits administrator during specific enrollment periods or with qualifying life events.
How to determine if MetLife Legal Plan is worth the cost for me?
Consider the potential cost of legal services you might need in the next year (e.g., will drafting, home closing, traffic ticket). If the projected costs of those services are higher than the annual premium, the plan is likely a worthwhile investment.
