Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of legal issues? From drafting a will to dealing with a landlord dispute, the world of law can seem daunting and expensive. That's where a MetLife Legal Plan can be a true game-changer, offering affordable and accessible legal assistance for a wide range of personal matters. Imagine having an experienced attorney in your corner whenever you need one, without the fear of astronomical hourly fees.
If you're ready to gain peace of mind and simplify your legal life, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of signing up for MetLife Legal. Let's dive in!
Understanding MetLife Legal Plans
Before we jump into the sign-up process, it's helpful to understand what MetLife Legal Plans are and who they're for.
- What they are: MetLife Legal Plans provide access to a nationwide network of qualified attorneys for a variety of personal legal needs. Think of it as a legal "retainer" for a low monthly fee, covering many common legal services.
- Who is eligible: MetLife Legal Plans are often offered as an employee benefit through employers, or sometimes through other organizations. Eligibility typically extends to you, your spouse, and your dependents. Some plans even offer coverage for elder care issues related to your parents.
- Key Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: The monthly fee is usually far less than the hourly rate of a private attorney.
- Comprehensive Coverage: They cover a wide array of legal matters, from estate planning (wills, trusts) and family law (adoption, prenuptial agreements) to real estate transactions (buying/selling homes) and consumer issues.
- Unlimited Use for Covered Matters: For many covered services, there are no limits on how often you can use your plan.
- No Waiting Periods, Deductibles, or Claim Forms: When using a network attorney for covered matters, the process is streamlined – no extra fees or paperwork.
- Digital Estate Planning: Many plans offer online tools to create wills, living wills, and powers of attorney from the comfort of your home.
- Access to a Large Network: MetLife boasts a vast network of experienced attorneys.
Now, let's get you signed up!
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| How To Sign Up For Metlife Legal |
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Access Your Enrollment Information
Are you ready to unlock affordable legal protection? Your first step is to figure out how you can actually enroll. MetLife Legal Plans are primarily offered through employers or other sponsoring organizations.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Sub-heading: Employer-Sponsored Plans
If your employer offers MetLife Legal as a benefit, this is usually the most common pathway.
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Check with Your HR or Benefits Department: This is your primary resource. They will have all the specific information regarding your company's MetLife Legal Plan offering, including:
- Enrollment periods: When can you actually sign up? This is often during annual open enrollment, but sometimes special enrollment periods exist for life events (e.g., marriage, birth of a child).
- Plan options: Your employer might offer different tiers or types of legal plans (e.g., a "Base Plan" versus a "Plus Parent Plan"). Understand what each covers.
- Enrollment instructions: They will provide you with the specific website, portal, or access code you need to begin the enrollment process. This might be through your company's internal benefits portal or a direct link to MetLife's enrollment site.
- Cost: Your HR department will detail the monthly premium, which is typically deducted from your paycheck. MetLife Legal Plans can cost around $21 per month, but this can vary.
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Look for Enrollment Materials: Your employer might have provided brochures, emails, or intranet pages with details about the legal plan during open enrollment. Review these carefully for specific instructions and codes.
Sub-heading: Individual Enrollment or Other Organizations
While less common, some individuals might be able to enroll directly or through other affiliations.
- Visit the MetLife Legal Plans Website: Head to the official MetLife Legal Plans website (often legalplans.com or https://www.google.com/search?q=metlifelegal.com). Look for sections dedicated to "Individuals" or "Enrollment."
- Check for Direct Enrollment Options: Some plans, like those for Federal employees and annuitants, may have direct enrollment paths.
- Contact MetLife Directly: If you're unsure about your eligibility or how to enroll, calling MetLife's client service center (often 1-800-821-6400) can provide clarity. Be prepared to explain your situation.
Step 2: Access the Enrollment Portal and Create Your Account
Once you have your enrollment information, it's time to get online and set up your account.
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Correct Portal
- Use the Provided Link: Your employer or MetLife will provide a specific web address. It might be something like
https://www.metlifelegal.com/account-creation/get-startedorhttps://info.legalplans.com. Always double-check that you're on a secure, official MetLife website. - Enter Any Required Access Codes: If your employer provided an access code (sometimes called a company code or enrollment code), you'll likely need to enter it on the initial landing page. This ensures you're enrolling in the correct plan associated with your organization.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Your User Account
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"Register Now" or "Create Account": Look for a prominent button or link that says "Register," "Create Account," or "Register Now" if it's your first time.
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Provide Essential Information: You'll typically be asked for:
- Your Email Address: This will often become your username.
- Password: Choose a strong, secure password. MetLife usually requires a minimum length (e.g., 12+ characters) and a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Don't use easily guessable passwords!
- Personal Details: Your full name, date of birth, and possibly the last four digits of your Social Security Number or a membership number provided by your employer.
- Agree to Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: Make sure to read and agree to these.
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Verify Your Information: After entering your details, you'll likely be prompted to verify them for accuracy. Take a moment to review everything carefully.
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Confirm Account Creation: You might receive a confirmation email to the address you provided. Follow any instructions in the email to finalize your account setup.
Step 3: Select Your Plan and Review Coverage Details
Now that you're logged in, it's time to choose the legal plan that best fits your needs.
Tip: Focus on sections most relevant to you.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Plan Option
- Review Available Plans: If your employer offers multiple MetLife Legal Plan options (e.g., a basic plan, an enhanced plan, or a plan with elder care for parents), they will be presented to you.
- Understand the Differences: Carefully compare the covered services for each plan. Look for what matters most to you and your family. For example:
- Do you need comprehensive estate planning, including trusts, or just a simple will?
- Are you anticipating any real estate transactions?
- Do you have aging parents whose legal needs you might want assistance with?
- Does it include coverage for divorce proceedings or just consultations? (Some plans may cover limited hours for divorce, while others may not.)
- Consider Your Family's Needs: Remember, MetLife Legal Plans typically cover you, your spouse, and your dependent children. If you have a growing family or anticipate future life events, choose a plan that aligns with those possibilities.
Sub-heading: Exploring Covered Services
- Detailed Service Descriptions: MetLife's enrollment portal will usually have a section that lists all the covered services in detail. Spend some time reading through this section. It's crucial to understand what is "fully covered" (meaning no additional fees when using a network attorney) versus what might be a consultation or discounted service.
- Review Exclusions: Equally important are the exclusions. No legal plan covers everything. Typical exclusions might include:
- Matters against your employer or MetLife.
- Business-related legal issues.
- Frivolous lawsuits.
- Matters for which you already retained an attorney before becoming eligible for the plan.
- Criminal matters (though some plans might offer initial consultation).
Step 4: Provide Payment Information (if applicable)
For employer-sponsored plans, your payment will almost always be handled through payroll deduction. However, if you're enrolling individually, you'll need to provide payment details.
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Sub-heading: Payroll Deduction (Employer Plans)
- Automatic Setup: In most employer-sponsored scenarios, once you select your plan, the payroll deduction for the monthly premium will be automatically set up. You won't need to enter credit card information.
- Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation that your enrollment is complete and that the payroll deduction will begin with your next pay cycle.
Sub-heading: Direct Payment (Individual Plans)
- Secure Payment Gateway: If you're enrolling directly, you'll be directed to a secure payment gateway.
- Enter Payment Details: You'll typically need to enter:
- Credit Card Information: Card number, expiration date, CVV.
- Billing Address: Associated with your credit card.
- Review and Confirm: Double-check all payment details before confirming the transaction. You'll receive an instant confirmation of your payment.
Step 5: Confirmation and Accessing Your Member Account
Congratulations! You've successfully signed up for MetLife Legal. The final step is to confirm your enrollment and learn how to access your new legal benefits.
Sub-heading: Receiving Confirmation
- Confirmation Email: You'll receive a confirmation email from MetLife, summarizing your enrollment, plan details, and effective date of coverage. Keep this email for your records.
- Online Confirmation: The enrollment portal will also display a confirmation message upon successful sign-up.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Member Account
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Member Portal Login: Once your coverage is active, you'll be able to log in to the MetLife Legal Plans member portal (often members.legalplans.com) using the email and password you created in Step 2.
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Explore the Member Site: The member portal is your hub for:
- Finding Network Attorneys: Search by legal matter, location, or attorney name.
- Viewing Your Plan Details: Access your specific coverage information.
- Digital Estate Planning Tools: If included in your plan, this is where you'll find the online will-creation tools.
- Self-Help Legal Forms: Access a library of common legal forms.
- Contacting Customer Service: Get help with your plan or finding an attorney.
- Mobile App Access: MetLife often has a mobile app that allows you to manage your benefits, find attorneys, and access your ID card on the go. Search for "MetLife" or "MetLife Legal Plans" in your device's app store.
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Utilizing Your Benefits:
- When you need legal assistance, simply log in to your member account or call the Client Service Center.
- They will verify your eligibility and help you find a suitable network attorney for your specific legal matter.
- You can then contact the attorney directly to schedule a consultation.
- Remember: When using a network attorney for a covered matter, there are no additional fees, copays, or deductibles.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the peace of mind that comes with having a MetLife Legal Plan.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to use my MetLife Legal Plan once I'm enrolled?
Once enrolled, log in to the MetLife Legal Plans member portal or mobile app, or call the Client Service Center at 1-800-821-6400 to find a network attorney for your specific legal need. They will verify your eligibility and help you connect with the right professional.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
How to find a network attorney with MetLife Legal?
You can find a network attorney by logging into your MetLife Legal Plans member account online, using the mobile app, or by calling their Client Service Center. You can often search by legal matter, geographic location, and even attorney specialization.
How to know what legal matters are covered by my MetLife Legal Plan?
Detailed coverage information is available on your MetLife Legal Plans member portal after you log in, or within the plan documents provided by your employer. You can also call the Client Service Center to inquire about specific legal matters.
How to get help for a pre-existing legal matter with MetLife Legal?
Generally, MetLife Legal Plans cover pre-existing matters, unless you had already retained an attorney for that specific matter before your plan's effective date. Always confirm with the Client Service Center for specific situations.
How to contact MetLife Legal Plans customer service?
You can typically reach MetLife Legal Plans Client Service Center by calling 1-800-821-6400. Their hours are usually Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
How to use the digital estate planning tools with MetLife Legal?
If your plan includes digital estate planning, you can access these tools through your MetLife Legal Plans member portal. These tools often guide you step-by-step through creating documents like wills, living wills, and powers of attorney online.
How to add or remove dependents from my MetLife Legal Plan?
Changes to your dependents (e.g., adding a spouse, removing a child) typically need to be made through your employer's HR or benefits department, especially during open enrollment or a qualifying life event.
How to appeal a denial of coverage by MetLife Legal?
If MetLife or a plan attorney denies coverage for a matter, you have the right to appeal. Details on the appeal process, including where to send a letter explaining your reasoning, can be found in your plan's summary plan description or by contacting the Client Service Center.
How to switch between different MetLife Legal Plan options?
Switching between plan options is usually only possible during your employer's annual open enrollment period or if you experience a qualifying life event that allows for a special enrollment change.
How to cancel my MetLife Legal Plan?
To cancel your MetLife Legal Plan, you will typically need to go through your employer's HR or benefits department. Cancellation policies and timelines vary, so it's best to consult your employer's specific guidelines or contact MetLife's Client Service Center for assistance.
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