Legal Benefits

Dear Colleagues:

It has come to my attention that some people are not satisfied with some aspects of the legal plan. Remember that when using the legal plan you should read the information booklet that accompanied your card. You must call Feldman, Kramer and Monaco 800-832-5182 before contacting an attorney. They will refer you to an attorney in your area if they can't handle it themselves. When they give you a number of an attorney, you must then call that attorney and be clear that Feldman, Kramer & Monaco referred you. They need to accept the referral or not. So if for example a closing or re-finance is supposed to be free, you need to establish that with the attorney right away. If they say there is a charge let them know that Feldman, Kramer & Monaco told you it was for free. If you choose to use your own attorney, Feldman Kramer & Monaco will reimburse you for I believe up to $275. But once again it is in your booklet and you should check and question as you go along. With closings and such, remember that the bank's attorney's fees are not covered. This is strictly your representation.

Remember that the Benefit Fund is paying for this service, so if people are experiencing difficulties with it they should let me or your building Benefit Fund Rep know via e-mail and we will consider whether or not to continue the plan. Hope this helps.

For the Benefit Fund,

Dan Sullivan

 

Legal Plan Overview

Download our legal plan pamphlet.

OUR ATTORNEYS:  Feldman, Kramer and Monaco  call toll free at 1-800-832-5182 x 220.

WILLS

Free simple will or update every year

MORTGAGE CLOSINGS

For primary residence only--not for vacation homes or rental properties three free in a five year period for sale, purchase or refinance  Note: refinance is not for the bank attorney - you must always pay the bank attorney separately. NYSUT legal service recommends that you use their attorney for a refinance as well to protect your interests--- it is free.

If you use a private attorney, you will be reimbursed $300, you need to send in your closing statement and attorney's bill to Laura (see below).

FAMILY LAW

  • Free no-contest divorce
  • 40 hours free for contested divorces, then discounted hourly rate
  • If you used another attorney for a divorce, but still have resolved issues, you may now use
  • NYSUT attorney (40 hours)
  • no reimbursement if you use an outside attorney

ADOPTION - free

TRAFFIC TICKETS

  • If you are in jeopardy of losing your license, they will represent you for a speeding ticket for free.
  • DWI is covered

BANKRUPTCY - covered for free

I was rather surprised by our new, higher level of coverage. If you have questions, call Laura at Feldman, Kramer and Monaco 1-800-832-5182 x 220.

You must call Laura for a referral in real estate matters - don't call the local attorney until you speak to her.

Questions about this benefit? Contact Suzanne Mantin.