Prepaid Legal Fund Services
Boston Teachers Union Prepaid Legal Services Fund Information Booklet
Boston Teachers Union Prepaid Legal Services Plan Providers
Need Prepaid Legal Service Benefits?
Step 1: Select a law firm from the list of participating providers.
Step 2: Either log in to your online account and upload the Prepaid Legal Authorization Form(s), or contact the Fund Office at 1-617-288-0497 to request the form(s) be sent directly to you.
You can contact the Fund Office with any questions, or to confirm your eligibility.
Prepaid Legal Services Survey
Have you used our Prepaid Legal Services? We want to hear from you! Your feedback matters – take the Prepaid Legal Survey today!
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Attorney Services
The Decision Is In—Legal Services Can Help You!
Did you know that you have access to prepaid legal services? That’s right—the Prepaid Legal Services Plan makes it easy for you to find high quality legal counsel. The Board of Trustees of the Prepaid Legal Services Fund has selected a panel of attorneys so that you and your eligible dependents may receive legal help with a variety of services such as buying or selling your principal residence, preparing a will, or drafting certain legal documents. Also, participating mediators can assist you in separation and divorce disputes.
What Legal Services Are Offered?
Attorneys who participate in the Prepaid Legal Services Plan (participating attorneys) can help you with a variety of legal services, such as:
- Preparing a will and certain related services
- Certain real estate services
- Consultations and drafting certain legal documents
- Assisting with your claims against your landlord
- Personal bankruptcy or debt arrangement
- Changing your name
- Juvenile delinquency
- Some probate matters
- Some criminal matters
- Certain tort and other civil matters where an eligible person is a defendant
- Plaintiff status to pursue specific benefits in covered matters
Are You Eligible To Receive Prepaid Legal Services?
You and your eligible dependents may take advantage of the Fund’s legal services benefit if you are a “Covered Teacher”—meaning you are employed or compensated as a member of the bargaining unit at the Boston School Department represented by the Boston Teachers Union, and contributions are required to be made on your behalf to the Boston Teachers Union Health and Welfare Fund. Contact the Fund Office if you have questions about your eligibility.
Mediator Services for Divorce or Separation
You may benefit from mediator services. A mediator is an impartial third party who can help you and your spouse if you are involved in a separation or divorce dispute. The Prepaid Legal Services Plan’s participating mediators can help you achieve an equitable resolution on such matters as financial agreements and property distribution. It is the desired goal that a Memorandum of Agreement be reached and signed as a result of the mediation process.
Please contact the Fund Office for Mediation Forms.
Available Hours of Coverage
How Many Hours Of Coverage Are Available?
The personal legal and mediation services are provided in terms of the time involved, or in some cases, by the nature of the problem. You and your eligible family members may receive up to a maximum number of total hours of legal and mediation services during each Plan Year (September 1–August 31). Unused hours cannot be accumulated from year to year.
Preparing a Will
It’s never too early to begin preparing your will. While considering who might care for your children or your estate isn’t easy, a will can provide you with peace of mind. If you do have a will, is it up to date? The Prepaid Legal Services Plan also covers modifications to your existing will. Participating attorneys in the Prepaid Legal Services Plan can help you with preparing a simple will or a will with testamentary trust and some other matters, such as power of attorney, a health care proxy or a living trust.
Real Estate Services
Thinking About Buying Or Selling Your Home?
The Prepaid Legal Services Plan can help you in several ways. If you’re looking to buy a new home that will be your primary residence, you can contact a participating attorney to help with:
- advice on your purchase
- title examination
- preparation of the purchase agreement
- preparation of the deed
- reviewing of the documents at closing and representation at closing
- preparation of an escrow agreement
If you’re interested in selling your home that is your primary residence, a participating attorney can help you with the preparation of:
- a sale agreement
- review of the closing documents
- representation at closing and advice on your sale
Interested In Refinancing?
The Prepaid Legal Services Plan can also help you if you’re interested in refinancing your principal residence.
Having Problems With Your Landlord?
If you have a disagreement with your landlord that may require legal counsel, you as the tenant are eligible for legal services from this Plan.