Having access to affordable legal services can be a lifesaver when you face unexpected or complex legal challenges. The Hyatt Legal Plan, now known as MetLife Legal Plans, offers members the ability to access a wide range of legal services at a fixed monthly cost. Whether it's preparing essential documents, handling legal disputes, or addressing family law matters, having this plan can give you peace of mind. However, like any benefit, maximizing the value of your membership requires a strategic approach.
In this guide, we will explore how to get the best out of your Hyatt Legal Plan membership, ensuring you understand the scope of services available, the process of using the plan, and ways to make sure you're fully benefiting from this valuable resource.
The first step to getting the most from your Hyatt Legal Plan membership is to fully understand what services are covered and how they apply to your specific needs. The plan offers a wide range of legal services that cater to many aspects of personal and family law. Here's a breakdown of key areas:
Estate Planning: The plan covers essential estate planning services like wills, living wills, and trusts. This is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to ensure that their assets are handled according to their wishes after they pass away.
Family Law: Coverage for uncontested divorce, adoption, child custody agreements, prenuptial agreements, and name changes is included in the plan. This means you have access to professional legal advice and representation for some of life's most challenging family matters.
Real Estate Services: If you're purchasing or selling a home, or dealing with a dispute involving a property, the plan covers legal services for contracts, title transfers, and negotiations.
Consumer Protection: Members can access help with consumer disputes, such as billing disagreements or defective products. This can be especially useful when dealing with companies or service providers.
Debt and Bankruptcy Counseling: The Hyatt Legal Plan provides assistance with bankruptcy filing and other financial issues, including defense against debt collectors and help with foreclosure issues.
Traffic Violations: If you've been cited for a traffic violation (non-criminal), the plan includes legal assistance to help you navigate fines, points on your license, and even court appearances.
Knowing exactly what services are available can help you plan for current and future legal needs, ensuring you don't miss out on benefits the plan provides.
One of the biggest advantages of having a legal plan is the ability to use it proactively. Instead of waiting for a legal problem to arise, consider using the Hyatt Legal Plan to prevent future issues. Here are some ways you can be proactive with your membership:
Create and Update Your Will: Estate planning is one of the most important legal tasks that many people delay. With the Hyatt Legal Plan, you can draft a will, update it as needed, and ensure that all your estate planning documents are legally sound. Don't wait until it's too late - take advantage of this benefit to protect your family and assets.
Review Contracts Before Signing: Whether you're signing a lease, hiring a contractor, or agreeing to any kind of legally binding contract, it's crucial to have an attorney review the document. The Hyatt Legal Plan covers this, allowing you to avoid potential pitfalls hidden in the fine print.
Handle Family Law Matters Early: If you're thinking about getting married or divorced, adopting a child, or need to revise custody agreements, getting legal advice early in the process can save you time and stress later on. By taking advantage of the legal coverage offered by the plan, you can ensure that your family law matters are handled correctly from the start.
Use Legal Counsel for Real Estate Transactions: Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people make. Using the Hyatt Legal Plan to have an attorney review your purchase agreements and contracts is a smart way to safeguard your interests and ensure the transaction is legally sound.
The Hyatt Legal Plan has an extensive network of over 14,000 attorneys across the United States. Accessing legal services through this network ensures that most legal services are fully covered by your plan. However, to get the best out of your membership, it's important to know how to find and select the right attorney for your needs. Here's how you can ensure you're matched with the right legal professional:
Use the Online Attorney Directory: The plan provides an online directory that allows you to search for attorneys based on your specific legal need and location. This can help you find a lawyer who specializes in the area of law that pertains to your issue, whether it's estate planning, family law, or real estate.
Read Attorney Reviews: The directory also provides user reviews for each attorney, giving you an idea of what to expect. Make sure to read reviews from other members who have worked with the attorney to determine whether they are the right fit for you.
Choose In-Network Providers: In-network attorneys provide the most cost-effective legal services under your plan. For covered matters, you won't face any out-of-pocket costs if you use an in-network attorney, making it an affordable option.
Work with Out-of-Network Attorneys (If Needed): If you already have an attorney you prefer who is not in the plan's network, you can still use them, but you may be required to pay upfront and seek reimbursement for certain covered services. In most cases, however, using an in-network attorney will save you the most money and ensure that your legal needs are fully covered.
While most services provided through in-network attorneys are fully covered, there may be instances where you need to work with an out-of-network attorney or pay for additional services not covered by the plan. Understanding how to handle claims and reimbursements is key to ensuring you maximize your benefits:
Out-of-Network Services: If you choose to use an out-of-network attorney, keep in mind that the Hyatt Legal Plan will only reimburse you for a portion of the costs, based on a schedule of benefits. Make sure you're clear on what's covered and what isn't before you proceed with out-of-network legal help.
Covered Services: The plan covers most personal legal services, but some services, such as complex litigation, business-related legal matters, and criminal defense, may not be fully covered. Understanding the scope of covered services can help you avoid surprise costs.
Filing for Reimbursement: If you need to file for reimbursement, make sure to keep detailed records and receipts. You can submit a claim to MetLife Legal Plans through their website or by contacting customer service for guidance.
One of the most critical aspects of getting the best out of your Hyatt Legal Plan membership is ensuring clear and effective communication with your attorney. Here are some tips for working with your attorney:
Prepare for Consultations: When you meet with your attorney, have all your documents and relevant information organized and ready. This will allow your attorney to assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible advice.
Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions during your consultation. Whether you're unfamiliar with legal jargon or need clarification on the process, your attorney is there to guide you. It's important that you fully understand the steps involved in your case.
Keep Communication Open: Stay in contact with your attorney throughout the legal process. Regular communication ensures that you're up to date on the status of your case and that any issues are addressed promptly.
Follow Legal Advice: Your attorney will provide you with guidance based on their expertise. Make sure to follow their legal advice carefully to avoid unnecessary delays or complications in your case.
One of the key benefits of the Hyatt Legal Plan is that it often provides free consultations for legal matters. Even if you're unsure whether your issue requires formal legal representation, taking advantage of the consultation service can help clarify your options. Here's how you can use this benefit effectively:
Seek Early Advice: Many people wait until a legal problem becomes urgent before seeking legal help. However, by consulting an attorney early, you can often prevent small issues from escalating into bigger problems.
Discuss Multiple Issues: If you have more than one legal matter on your plate, don't hesitate to bring them up during your consultation. Whether you need help with estate planning and a real estate transaction or family law matters, you can discuss them in a single session to maximize the value of your membership.
Plan for the Future: During your consultation, ask your attorney for advice on future legal needs. For example, if you're planning to buy a home, get married, or expand your family, ask about any legal steps you should take in advance.
The Hyatt Legal Plan is a powerful tool for accessing affordable legal services, but like any benefit, maximizing its value requires careful planning and proactive use. By understanding the range of services available, selecting the right attorney, and using the plan for both preventative and urgent legal matters, you can ensure you're fully benefiting from your membership. Whether you're dealing with estate planning, family law, real estate, or consumer protection issues, the Hyatt Legal Plan can provide you with the legal support you need at an affordable cost.