Question 1

What is LegalShield?

Accepted Answer

For over 50 years, LegalShield has made it affordable and easy for its members to connect with its network of vetted, dedicated law firms across the United States and parts of Canada that average 22 years of experience. LegalShield provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to its members through membership-based participation.

Question 2

What is a legal subscription service (or pre-paid legal plan), and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Instead of paying a lawyer by the hour, you pay a small membership fee with LegalShield and have access to a dedicated provider law firm in your province for the legal services membership you select but without a huge bill. Prices and coverage vary depending on the membership services you select.

Question 3

Is LegalShield the same as Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. began doing business as LegalShield on September 10, 2011. While the name we do business as has changed, we are the same organization with over 50 years in business and offer an even more robust suite of services.

Question 4

Will the membership really cover my specific legal issue?

Accepted Answer

Personal Plans from LegalShield cover most personal legal issues. Most day-to-day legal issues are covered by the standard member benefits with no additional fees. If your specific personal legal need is more unique and requires additional legal assistance beyond the standard benefits, your provider law firm can help you at a discount off their standard hourly rates. LegalShield provider law firms do not assist with International Law, Military Law, and Tribal Law.

Question 5

Does the LegalShield membership cover pre-existing situations?

Accepted Answer

Most pre-existing situations can receive consultation and a discount from the provider law firm's standard hourly rate. There are exclusions and exceptions, but your provider law firm can provide advice and possibly more on most pre-existing situations. Current exclusions include any civil action, motor vehicle tickets or charges relating to an event before starting your membership, and any CRA inquiry received before the start of your membership.

Question 6

How do I choose a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

With a LegalShield membership, you don't have to. There's no countless hours of researching. No stressing, no guessing. LegalShield takes the vetting and selection of law firms very seriously. You can be assured that all the dedicated provider law firms are experienced. They actually have an average of 22 years of experience!

Question 7

How long after I join can I use the plan?

Accepted Answer

You can use your plan as soon as your membership application is reviewed and your account is set up. The review process takes 12–24 business hours (or less) from the moment you purchase your plan. Once accepted, you can connect with your provider law firm within 8 business hours once your request is submitted. Some benefits don't start right away. Please see the member contract for full details on benefit availability.

Question 8

If the standard plan benefits don't cover my specific situation, how much will it cost me?

Accepted Answer

When you need legal help that does not fall under the standard benefits, you may be able to work with your provider law firm for 25% off their standard hourly rates. The total cost depends on factors such as the area of law, your geographic location and the law firm's hourly rate. What we can say for sure is that if you are a member and work with your provider law firm under the discounted rates, you could save as a LegalShield member over hiring a lawyer directly.

Question 9

Who is covered under the Personal Plans?

Accepted Answer

Our Personal Plans are really family plans and cover: the member (the person taking out the membership), the member's spouse, never-married dependent children under 26 living at home, children under age 18 for whom the member or spouse is legal guardian, full-time never-married students under 26 if dependent of the member or spouse, and any dependent child regardless of age who is incapable of sustaining employment because of mental or physical disability. Certain benefits may be available for the member and/or the member's spouse only.

Question 10

How do I start a membership?

Accepted Answer

We offer a variety of personal and business membership options. You can enrol online through our enrollment links or contact Patrice Samuel Robinson at (519) 872-6875 for personalized guidance. We accept monthly bank draft and monthly credit card payments.

Question 11

How much does a legal service plan cost in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Legal service plans are designed to be affordable for everyone. Personal legal plans start at $35.95 CAD per month, small business plans start at $49 CAD per month, and IDShield identity theft protection starts at just $9.95 CAD per month. These plans replace the need for expensive retainer fees which can cost thousands of dollars.

Question 12

Who are the lawyers I'll work with? Are they experienced?

Accepted Answer

LegalShield takes the vetting and selection of law firms very seriously. All dedicated provider law firms in the LegalShield network are experienced professionals with an average of 22 years of experience. You will be assigned a provider law firm in your province, and they will handle your legal matters with the utmost professionalism.

Question 13

What is IDShield and how does identity theft protection work?

Accepted Answer

IDShield monitors your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from all angles. If your identity is stolen, we provide full-service identity restoration to restore your identity to its pre-theft status. Services include dark web monitoring, social media monitoring, Trend Micro Maximum Security, VPN Proxy One, password manager, financial threshold account monitoring, reputation management, and continuous credit monitoring through TransUnion. Individual plans start at $9.95/month CAD and family plans at $19.95/month CAD.

Question 14

Are legal service plans available across all of Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes, legal service plans through PPLSI are available across Canada and the United States. Some parts of Canada each have their own dedicated law firm. Members are to contact their dedicated provider law firm for membership services. Patrice Samuel Robinson serves clients nationwide as an Independent Associate of PPLSI | LegalShield Legal Services.

Question 15

Is there a free consultation available before I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Patrice Samuel Robinson offers a completely free legal needs assessment to help determine which plan best fits your personal or business needs. There is no obligation to purchase, and the assessment helps you understand the value and coverage each plan provides. Contact Patrice at (519) 872-6875 or use the contact form to schedule your free assessment.

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