What is a legal plan and should I have one?
Membership with Texas Legal covers legal expenses like health insurance covers medical expenses. A low monthly fee gives you access to trusted attorneys when you need it most.
Membership includes:
- Comprehensive coverage for every stage of life (i.e. adoption, divorce, estate planning, etc)
- Ability to choose your own attorney from among our participating attorneys or among any of the 85,000 licensed attorneys across Texas.
- Unlimited access to our free legal hotline.
How does the Plan work?
Members pay a low monthly premium or one-time discounted annual premium and seek legal services from an attorney when needed. Members have the freedom to choose from among the Texas Legal participating panel attorneys or from among any of the other 85,000 licensed attorneys across the state. Texas Legal panel attorneys, who are the same licensed attorneys that anyone may hire, assist our members with their legal issues just as they would any of their other clients and bill Texas Legal directly. Texas Legal members receive the same legal help without having to pay the attorney fees.
How do I enroll?
Join Texas Legal today by completing and submitting an application. If your employer joined with its own payroll deductions, your employer will hold open enrollment sessions and staff may enroll at that time. Applications received between the 1st and the 25th of each month begin coverage on the 1st of the following month. Please note that applications received between the 26th and 31st of the month begin coverage on the 1st of the month after (for example, received on March 26th, effective May 1st). Incomplete applications will be returned for re-submission.
Do I need to fill out an application each year?
No. Your initial application is all Texas Legal needs and is good for the length of your membership.
Can I enroll/apply online?
At this time all Texas Legal applications are available online as PDF documents and may be submitted by email, fax or mail.
Are spouses and dependents eligible to enroll?
Yes, Texas Legal membership is available to spouses and dependents (up to the age of 26).
How are attorneys selected to participate in the network? What are qualifications are needed to participate?
Provider Attorneys must maintain a valid State of Texas Bar license and Professional Liability Insurance.
How do I know if my employer offers this coverage?
You can contact Texas Legal and we would be happy to assist you. Otherwise, you can contact your HR Manager about the benefit availability. If your employer/association does not offer this benefit, we do have our Independent Plan available to any Texan.
How old do you have to be to be a member?
18 years old.
What does “family coverage” mean when referring to my coverage?
It refers to the named Participant/ Policy holder and listed dependents as notified to Texas Legal in writing via an accepted application or change in coverage.
Can my disabled child/dependent over the age of 26 or another relative over the age of 26 (such as a parent) that lives in household be on my plan?
Per Texas Department of Insurance regulations, dependents over the age of 26 cannot be a listed as a dependent on your Texas Legal policy. However, they may join on their own Independent policy.
Can I use my plan outside of Texas?
Texas Legal does have out of network benefits. You may be reimbursed by submitting a member reimbursement form.
If I change jobs or retire do I have to end my Texas Legal membership?
No, your policy is portable. You will remain in the initial group that you enrolled in unless you are in a payroll group (i.e. your premiums are paid via a deduction from your paycheck). Then you can enroll in the Independent Plan.
How do I update my address or phone number?
How do I update my address or phone number? Visit here or fill out this form and return to Texas Legal.
How do I update my listed dependents?
How do I update my listed dependents? Visit here or fill out this form and return to Texas Legal. Please note, all changes received by the 25th of the month, will be effective on the 1st of the following month.
How do I change my payment method?
Visit here or fill out this form and return to Texas Legal. Please note, all changes received by the 25th of the month, will be effective on the 1st of the following month.
Can I pay my fee online?
Yes. You can pay on-line via ACH bank draft or via credit card. However, the payment will not be processed until the 1st of the month, as applicable.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Texas Legal mails out Notice of Non-Payments around the 8th of each month. The Notice details the amount that is due and options for payment methods to bring your account current. Please remember to keep your address up-to-date so that we can contact you
Can I pay online?
Yes. You can pay on-line via ACH bank draft or via credit card. However, the payment will not be processed until the 1st of the month, as applicable.
Can I change my monthly due date?
Unfortunately, at this time we cannot change your monthly premium due date. Texas Legal premiums are due on the 1st of every month on all policies. However, you may not see the payment processed until 2-5 days after the 1st of the month based on your financial guidelines.
Can I consult with an attorney before hiring one?
Starting with plans that renew on September 1, 2014, Texas Legal has added a new benefit for consultations. Members are entitled to 4 consultations per plan year. Consultations are provided for members to seek advice regarding a potential or current legal issue in order to assess if the parties want to establish an Attorney-Client relationship for representation.
How do I find a Participating Panel Attorney?
Finding a Participating Attorney is easy. The Texas Legal Attorney Finder allows you to find an attorney quickly and efficiently. Members may also feel free to contact a Member Services Specialist for assistance.
Do you provide attorney recommendations?
Unfortunately, we are not a referral service. Those services are highly regulated in Texas, which prohibits us from being able to recommend any particular attorney. You may search for an attorney using the Attorney Finder.
I cannot find an attorney in my area. What are my options?
You can use the out-of-network benefit and then submit a member reimbursement request.
I cannot find my legal matter on the Attorney Finder. What should I do?
You can contact Texas Legal at 512-327-1372 or via the chat window and a Member Services specialist will be happy to assist you.
Whom do I contact if I have an issue with my attorney?
Contact Texas Legal at 1-800-252-9346
What does “fully covered” mean?
When your service is “fully covered” it means that Texas Legal will pay your attorney for your legal matter in full, as long as your attorney is in network. You will not be responsible for any co-pays or deductibles.
What about non-covered legal matters, can I still use an attorney on the panel?
It is entirely up to the member to retain the attorney of their choice. The legal matter is not covered therefore the attorney will provide you with a written contract for services provided and may charge you at his/her usual and customary rate.
Will my dealings with the attorney remain confidential?
Yes. Legal issues discussed with any attorney (Participating and Non Participating) are covered by the Attorney – Client Privilege and are not disclosed to anyone.
Do I have to renew my policy with Texas Legal?
You do not have to renew your policy with Texas Legal. Your policy will remain in effect until you notify Texas Legal in writing that you wish to discontinue your coverage or your premiums are not paid in a timely manner.
I’m enrolled, but I’ve never used the Texas Legal program? Do you think I should cancel my membership?
No. Legal protection is just as important as protecting your health, your retirement, your home or car. Maintaining your Texas Legal membership means that legal benefits are available in an emergency. There are also proactive ways to get the greatest benefit out of your membership, such as meeting with an attorney to avoid identity theft or preparing your Estate Planning.
How do I cancel my Texas Legal membership?
A request for cancellation can be emailed to members@TexasLegal.org. Cancellation requests must include your full name, address, associated group or employer and the last four digits of your social security number. Cancellation requests received between the 1st and the 25th of each month terminate coverage on the last day of the month. Requests received between the 26th and 31st of the month terminate coverage on the 1st of the month after (for example, received on March 26th, effective May 1st). Incomplete requests will be returned for re-submission.
If my account is terminated will my legal matter in process still be covered?
The attorney whom has an authorization on your behalf will be contacted to bill your plan for work up to that point. The member will be responsible for all services once the policy is terminated.