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. 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 the 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 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 idshield.com to learn more.