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  • Legal Shield...anyone heard of this?

    Just wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the company "Legal shield." My understanding is that you pay a monthly fee (average 30 dollars) for unlimited legal consultation over the phone. Includes family law lawyers. Too good to be true? 30 bucks a month seems like a steal considering the legal bills I have paid in the past. Just not sure if it is legit? Anyone know?

  • #2
    Originally posted by annapurna66 View Post
    Just wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the company "Legal shield." My understanding is that you pay a monthly fee (average 30 dollars) for unlimited legal consultation over the phone. Includes family law lawyers. Too good to be true? 30 bucks a month seems like a steal considering the legal bills I have paid in the past. Just not sure if it is legit? Anyone know?
    I had this for about a year through my employment... Paid half that price through them. We used them maybe half a dozen times and they were great. However I think it depends on what you can do on your own because they certainly don't do it all

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    • #3
      Yes, I saw some pamphlets in my lawyer's office. Not sure if it was 'Legal Shield' or some other insurance company. I wonder if a divorcing person could qualify?

      When applying for medical insurance they always ask questions like: do you smoke, drink, have any health issues? I would imagine that a divorcing person would constitute a high-risk candidate for legal insurance no? Would be worth it though when you consider the costs of going to court.
      Last edited by Janibel; 03-01-2014, 01:18 AM. Reason: typo

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      • #4
        I recall going to a trade show once and there was a booth set up. I questioned the fellows about it, told them my situation (even though I did have a lawyer retained). They basically said it was, in my case, for that one-time first visit to a lawyer's office in terms of family law/divorce.

        You get what you pay for. If you want to save money then get engrossed in the topic, perhaps hire a paralegal for help with forms, but go it yourself.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by arabian View Post
          They basically said it was, in my case, for that one-time first visit to a lawyer's office in terms of family law/divorce.
          Heck, in my area anyone could get a FREE one-time consultation with a lawyer or at the very least 30 minutes. If it sounds to good to be true, chances are it is.

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          • #6
            30.00/month = 360.00 That's kind of standard for a first consultation isn't it?

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            • #7
              I'm in another province, that would make a difference. Litigation is less expensive in Quebec (but takes for ever).

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              • #8
                That isn't exactly the way it works... as I said, we used it a few times. Basically it is like having a lawyer on the back burner. They are there to call and get advice, they will write a letter if necessary, but they won't spend hours and hours with you and they won't act like your lawyer to send countless letters to your ex. Obviously you are welcome to hire one of their lawyers if you wish, but it certainly isn't at at the $30 a month.

                If you are self rep and just want advice now and again, they are worth it, but if you are looking for an actual lawyer to help you with forms and be there at every step, hire an actual lawyer.

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                • #9
                  Awesome...thanks so much for all the helpful replies. . I am self rep. Am going to sign on...will let you all know how it goes in case you are also thinking of it.

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                  • #10
                    I'm acquainted with someone employed by Legal Shield and he's always urging me to sign on. I find them kind of pushy, like Amway, or those door to door switch energy company types. I'd never sign on, because I don't like that sort of pressure tactic. But I do have insurance, and that seems to be how it operates, so maybe I'm being overly reactive.

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                    • #11
                      yes the sales people are very aggresive. They didn't bother me much after I gave then the fun-down on my situation at the time. They said it was a good thing I had a lawyer and that their services were not intended for my situation. I think the information off of this forum far exceeds the info you would get getting with that services (my opinion only)

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                      • #12
                        I recently just looked into Legal Shield. Being in Ontario I can tell you that the whole province is covered by one firm out of Toronto.

                        The associates sell the "Legal Shield" contracts to consumers. You then get a 1 800 number to call when you need to speak to someone. A lawyer will call you back in up to a couple of days to address your inquiry.

                        The length of discussion a particular topic is decided by the lawyer not the consumer. You may call as many times as you like with different topics but if you are working a particular case and are self representing then you may not get all the help you need without hiring a lawyer outright.

                        They will refer you to a lawyer in you area at a discounted rate but that rate is determined by the lawyer. You can read the contract online from the Legal Shield web site.

                        Also note that the company is out of the USA and not local at all. They are friendly to talk to but unfamiliar with details of Canadian law, this is where you must sign a contract and speak with a lawyer.

                        They will review documents for you but you must send them away to the lawyer (out of town) and there is a limit to the number of pages they will review.

                        After my dealings inquiring with them and trying to get answers out of the Toronto Law firm's Legal Shield reps I decided to hire a local lawyer myself by the hour to assist me in getting my answer and forms ready.

                        I may consider Legal Shield in the future. My advice is to read the contract and contact Legal Shield Canada directly with your questions. I would not advise asking the local sales rep.

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                        • #13
                          We looked into it and it seems worth it.

                          If you do not have a will, they will do one for you as part of your membership. To me that's worth it right there.

                          Definitely not for every situation but it looks like it could work for us.

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