9 LEGAL TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR SUMMER

Summer is just around the corner and chances are you may be planning a vacation or making plans for children once school is out. These tips are designed to help you navigate summer’s potential legal headaches. No matter the season, your LegalShield provider law firm is ready to help you and your family.

1. If you plan to be away from home for any length of time this summer ask trusted friends or neighbors to keep an eye on your home. You may also notify local law enforcement that you will be away. Many police departments have programs that alert local patrol officers when you are away so that they may spot suspicious activity. Also, notify the postal service to hold your mail.

2. Be careful when mentioning your summer plans on Facebook or other social networks. Thieves sometimes use that information to target victims who are away from home.

3. Protect your identity when traveling. Only carry documentation you need. When traveling out of the country carry your passport and always keep it within your sight. Keep copies of all the important information from your wallet at home in case it is lost on your trip.

4. Traveler’s checks and credit cards offer the greatest level of protection from theft and fraud. Let your credit card company and bank know you will be traveling. Keep a list of important contacts so you can quickly notify your credit card company, bank and the police if you are the victim of theft or fraud.

5. If you plan to rent a vacation home make sure you understand the terms of your rental agreement. Your LegalShield provider law firm can review the lease and point out any potential problems.

6. Cruises and expense paid vacations can be a great way to travel within a budget, but make sure you understand the details of the trip before you leave. What is truly covered and what additional expenses are you responsible for during the trip? Your LegalShield provider law firm can help you review your agreement with the resort or cruise company.

7. If you decide to send your children to overnight or day camp during the summer find out about the staff and facilities. Are staff certified in first aid or trained to spot child abuse? Find out about the camp accreditations and inspect the facilities closely before leaving your child. Have your LegalShield provider law firm review any contracts or liability waivers before your sign them.

8. Trauma injuries and ER visits increase in the summer. Make sure you understand your insurance requirements and deductibles for ER visits. If you are traveling far from home, notify your insurance company and ask what your responsibilities are in the event of a medical emergency. Make sure your living will or advanced medical directive is executed and accessible.

9. Before traveling, leave a trusted friend or family member with a copy of your current will, power of attorney and insurance documents. If you do not have a current estate plan contact your LegalShield provider law firm today. Setting up your estate plan ahead of a pending trip allows time for executing the documents and distributing copies.

7 LEGAL TIPS FOR DISPUTING AN INCORRECT BILL

It is important for consumers to review their monthly bills to ensure accuracy. Mistakes can easily show up on utility and cell phone bills, and correcting those charges in a timely manner can save you a great deal of money and stress, The following tips will help you correct any errors you may find.

1.    Know your contract terms and billing rates. Remember, your LegalShield provider law firm can review your contract and help you understand legal jargon that can sometimes make such documents confusing. 

2.    Whether you manage your bills online or with paper, check the amount you owe each month and the details to make sure they are consistent from month to month.  Utility bills will likely fluctuate based on the season, but cable and phone bills should be fairly consistent.   

3.    When you notice an error, call the customer service line on your bill right away. Have a copy of your current bill and contract with you. 

4.    Take note of the time of your call and the name of any representatives you speak with.  

5.    If a representative cannot assist you, politely ask to speak with a manager who has the authority to correct the mistake. 

6.    Ask for confirmation of the correction in writing. Having a written record will help you if the problem is not corrected or happens again later. 

7.    If customer service cannot provide you with a satisfactory solution or you continue to get the run-around, call your LegalShield provider law firm. An attorney will be happy to assist you with your matter.

DON’T MAKE THESE 5 COMMON LEGAL MISTAKES

Unfortunately, most people learn about these legal mistakes the hard way. Often they learn too late and there is little that can be done. The key is understanding these issues so you can make the right choices before a problem develops or a deadline is missed. If you have questions call your LegalShield provider law firm to speak with an attorney.

1. Not having a will. Without a will, you could leave your survivors with a costly legal mess to clean up. Surveys show three main reasons why people don’t yet have their will: procrastination, the belief that they don't need one, and cost. Your LegalShield family plan solves all three of these problems. You can obtain a will questionnaire by calling LegalShield, your provider law firm or downloading one (U.S. residents click here and Canadians click here). The questionnaire asks for information about your situation and desires. Once your questionnaire is received your provider attorney will draft your will.

2. Signing a contract without an attorney review. Lawyers cannot change the past; NEVER sign a contract, lease or other agreement before you call your LegalShield attorney for review and advice. Contracts and other agreements are sometimes written to intentionally obscure the true meaning. Your LegalShield attorney can help you make sense of a contract, lease or other agreement to ensure you fully understand your obligations.

3. Missing a statute of limitation deadline. Statutes of limitation are laws requiring an injured or aggrieved party to file a lawsuit within a certain time frame or forever lose the right to sue. The length of time to sue varies based upon the claim, type of injury, potential defendant and other factors. Nearly all claims are subject to statutes of limitation and some may be less than a year. The first step is to call your LegalShield provider law firm. You will need to speak with an attorney and provide necessary information to determine the statutes of limitation that apply to your case. After the appropriate statutes are determined, if you decide to proceed with a claim, an attorney may need several months to prepare the case for filing. It is essential to act quickly to protect your legal rights. If you have any questions about a legal matter, call your LegalShield provider law firm today.

4. Buying into quick fix debt or credit relief plans. Many families feel overwhelmed by consumer debt. Companies that promise to help lower monthly payments and quickly pay off debt may sound like an appealing way out. Unfortunately, debt consolidation offers and credit repair plans are often too good to be true. There may be built in fees. If you have a poor credit rating, your consolidated debt may end up with a higher interest rate than you are already paying. Also, debt consolidators have been known to miss or make late payments. When monthly payments are not in your hands, you run the risk of the third party missing the payment or paying it late, which will negatively affect your credit and could result in additional fees. Call your LegalShield provider law firm for a review of any debt relief or credit repair plan and to learn what other options may be available.

5. Protect your personal information. If you are asked for sensitive information, such as a Social Security Number, ask why it is needed and what systems are in place to protect it. Be wary of sharing personal information over the phone or email, especially if you’ve received an unsolicited communication (even if you do regular business with the organization). Many scammers pose as representatives of trusted businesses. Do not leave personal financial documents out in the open or anywhere you cannot limit access. If you believe you may be the victim of identity theft and you have an IDShield membership call (800) 806-3991. If you do not have an IDShield membership visit www.idshield.com to learn more.