Who Needs Legal Services?
Some of us have experienced the need to get an answer to a legal question or problem. According to the American Bar Association, we have a 1 in 3 chance of running into a legal problem over the next year requiring the assistance of an attorney, but only 10% will get the help needed. We purchase homes, establish a will, and authorize contracts...all with a stroke of a pen.

The value of group service plans in increasingly being recognized as one of the most helpful and responsible benefits of the decade. Signature LegalCare recognizes the value of a signature and the importance of legal representation. For years we have made accessible, affordable legal assistance a reality for people nationwide. Signature LegalCare is a licensed insurance program that pays claims. The Plan can actually cover the entire cost of most of your attorney fees. 

Today, as a member of the GE Financial family of companies, Signature LegalCare is a widely utilized plan throughout the United States. Along with the support of State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, we are pleased to offer you a valuable benefit to assist you with your legal situations. We invite you to explore our wide spectrum of legal services and unlimited legal advice all for a low monthly (biweekly payroll deducted) premium offered through Signature LegalCare.

Consider the Following Areas Where the Legal Plan Can be Used
You can receive 24x7 Emergency Access to an attorney

Who does Signature LegalCare Cover?
Signature LegalCare is available to all employees eligible for Payroll Deduction Benefits. Coverage for your spouse and eligible dependents is also included. You, the employee, are the primary member of the plan. A dependent child must be less than age 19, or less than age 23, who depends on you for support and maintenance and is a full-time student. Once the dependent child has reached the limiting age, coverage will terminate at the end of the calendar year.

Why Should I Enroll?
Everyday occurrences often require legal assistance whether it's selling a home, settling a dispute, established a will, or other legal matters. Legal services simply cannot be avoided. Attorney fees can be costly, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. These expenses can discourage you from seeking the legal help you need. Now, with Signature LegalCare, you have access to qualified attorneys for far less than you would pay without Signature LegalCare.

The monthly premiums are $5.80 per month ($2.68 a pay period) for a single coverage, and $7.75 per month ($3.58 per pay period) for family coverage. Your coverage is paid through payroll deductions. If you elect Signature LegalCare coverage, your coverage will remain in effect for the entire plan year as long as you are an active employee with State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 

Who Will Be My Attorney?
Signature LegalCare recognizes choosing an attorney is a personal decision. You can select an attorney yourself or if you need help finding an attorney, Signature LegalCare has a national network of Participating Attorneys available to serve you, your spouse and your covered dependents. The Participating Attorney's average at least 12 years of experience. 

A list of the Participating Attorneys for your county and state can be obtained by calling the Signature LegalCare Customer Service Center or by accessing our web site at www.signaturelegalcare.com. If you select a Participating Attorney, 100% coverage is available for all legal matters listed in the Schedule of Benefits as having a "Full" Coverage Level. If you choose an attorney who is not a Participating Attorney, you will be responsible for fees in excess of the scheduled benefit.

To recommend an attorney for the Signature LegalCare network, call 800-848-2012, (hearing impaired, 800-535-2348) Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

General Definitions About This Plan...

Covered Person - Employees and their eligible dependents enrolled for insurance under the Signature LegalCare Plan.

Coverage Level - The word "Full" in the Coverage Level column means the legal fee for that legal service is fully paid if a Participating Attorney is used.  An asterisk (*) indicates those legal services which are eligible for fee payments up to specified amounts, as shown.  Fees beyond the maximum levels shown are the responsibility of the Covered Person.

Participating Attorneys have the option of excluding covered legal services they do not wish to provide.  If a Participating Attorney excludes a legal service, which would be identified in the Participating Attorney Directory, coverage is available at the non-network level.  You may contact Signature LegalCare for a Participating Attorney Directory, when needed.

Family Coverage - Double asterisk (**) indicates those legal services which apply ONLY if Family Coverage has been elected.

Maximum Benefit for Non-Network Attorneys - This column indicates the maximum amount the Plan will pay if a non-network attorney is used.  The Plan will pay $70.00 per hour up to the scheduled benefit maximum.  The Covered Person will be responsible for any additional fees.

Legal Services Available (terminology may vary by jurisdiction)...

Unlimited Telephone Advice - This benefit provides the opportunity for a Covered Person to discuss with an attorney any personal legal problems which are not specifically excluded under the Plan.  The attorney will explain the Covered Person's rights, point out his or her options and, if needed, recommend a course of action.  This service is available through an independent law firm referred to as the Preventive LegalCare Office (PLCO).  The Covered Person will not be billed for this service and there are no claim forms to be completed.
 
 

Schedule of Benefits	Coverage  Level	Maximum Benefit for Non-Network Attorneys*
Adoptions  (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit)  The legal services required in any one adoption proceeding for all child(ren) and only where the final disposition is: A. Uncontested Relative or Stepparent Adoption, Judgment at Preliminary Hearing    1. Without publication requirement, or    2.  With publication requirement B. Uncontested Foster Child Adoption, Judgment at Preliminary Hearing, or C. Uncontested Non-Agency Adoption with Preliminary Hearing and Final Hearing, or D. Uncontested Agency Adoption, or E. Contested Adoption	Full Full Full Full Full Full	$350 $420 $350 $420 $490 $1050
Attorney Office Work  (Limited to four hours per Benefit Year per Family Unit)  The legal services rendered as a result of a Covered Person's personal visit to an attorney's office for consultations, review or preparation of documents, or any other legal services required for which benefits are not (i) covered by the Plan, or (ii) excluded by the Plan.  This Attorney Office Work benefit may not be applied to supplement benefits available under any other legal services covered by the Plan.	Full	$17.50 for each quarter hour up to a maximum offour hours
Criminal Trial Defense (Limited to one per five Benefit Years per Family Unit) Legal services rendered by an attorney subsequent to a Covered Person's entering a final plea of not guilty to conduct a trial before a judge and/or jury of a Misdemeanor or Felony. A.  For each day or attorney court appearance   B.  Up to 40 day maximum for any one trial	*Coverage up to max. of $300 *Coverage up to max of $12,000	$300   $12,000
Debt Collection Defense  (Limited to two per Benefit Year per Family Unit) A.  Defense against contract claims and/or proceedings in executions without court appearance or the filing of pleadings and ending in a settlement. B.  Defense against contract claims and/or proceedings in executions with attorney representation at a trail, motion or hearing C.  Defense against foreclosure of a real estate mortgage without court appearance or the filing of pleadings and ending in a settlement D.  Defense against foreclosure of a real estate mortgage with attorney representation at a trial, motion or hearing E.  Employee only personal bankruptcy by adjudication F.  Employee and spouse personal bankruptcy by adjudication**	Full Full Full Full Full Full	$280 $560 $350 $630 $560 $630
Defendant Civil Action  (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required for the covered Person as defendant after court action has been initiated in a civil damage suit, either personal or real, not involving debt collection or claims arising out of vehicular or boat accidents or which may be otherwise covered by separate insurance. A.  After suit is filed, action is settled prior to serving answer on defendant's behalf B.  After suit is filed, answer is served and ending with court appearance C.  By court Judgment after court appearance	Full Full Full	$280 $840 $1400
Document Review and Preparation The legal services rendered by an attorney in his/her office as a result of a Covered Person's visit to the attorney's office to review and/or prepare documents.  This Document Review and Preparation benefit may not be used to supplement benefits available under any other legal services covered by the Plan. A.  Power of Attorney B.  Deed C. Promissory Note D.  Residential Lease Agreement (when the covered Person is the lessee) E.  Affidavit F.  Time-sale contract G.  Warranty	Full Full Full Full Full Full Full	$60 $70 $70 $70 $108 $36 $36
Driver's License Suspension (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services rendered by an attorney for preparation and/or appearance in a Court and/or at an Administrative Hearing not involving DUI charges where the Covered Person's driver's license is subject to suspension or revocation because the infraction initially charged is that of reckless driving or other major violation, where the final plea is: A.  Guilty B.  Not Guilty	Full Full	$385 $1050
Estate Administration and Estate Closing (Limited to two per Benefit Year per Family Unit)  The legal services rendered by an attorney for assistance in the administration of a deceased Covered Person's estate, including the applicable property transfers and court appearance.	*Coverage up to max. of $240	$240
Eviction Defense (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required to negotiate for and/or defend a Covered Person as a tenant in an eviction proceeding. A.  Without court appearance B.   With court appearance	Full Full	$280 $840
Guardianship/Conservatorship  (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required to complete a: A.  Testamentary or non-testamentary uncontested appointment and inventory       1. Without first or other accounting       2.  With first or other account B.  Testamentary or non-testamentary contested appointment	Full Full Full	$300 $480 $1050
Habeas Corpus (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit)  The legal services required to produce a writ to bring a detained Covered Person before a judge and justify his/her detention.	Full	$300
Immigration/Naturalization (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required by a Covered Person for preparation of immigration applications and appearance at immigration or naturalization hearings and proceedings.	Full	$300
Juvenile Court Proceeding  (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services rendered by an attorney because a Covered Person's actions necessitate an attorney's appearance at a Criminal Proceeding for a juvenile in the Family Court**	Full	$700
Matrimonial Matters as a Petitioner (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit)  The legal services rendered by an attorney to the employee only as petitioner, as required to reach final disposition of:  A.  A property settlement or separation agreement not in conjunction with an action for annulment or dissolution of marriage, or B.   An uncontested annulment or dissolution of Marriage (including uncontested stipulation) without property settlement or separation agreement, or  C.  An uncontested annulment or dissolution of marriage (including uncontested stipulation of settlement) with property settlement or separation agreement	Full Full Full	$385 $630 $840
Matrimonial Matters as a Non-Petitioner (Limited to one per Benefit year per Family Unit)  The legal services rendered by an attorney to the employee only as the non-petitioner, as required to reach final disposition of: A.  A property settlement or separation agreement not in conjunction with an action for annulment or dissolution of marriage, or B.  An uncontested annulment or dissolution of marriage (including uncontested stipulation of settlement) without property settlement or separation agreement, or C.  An uncontested annulment or dissolution of marriage (including uncontested stipulation of settlement) with property settlement or separation agreement	Full Full Full	$385 $630 $840
Modification or Enforcement of Divorce or Separation (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services rendered by an attorney to a Covered Person in connection with a modification or enforcement of a valid, final dissolution or marriage with respect to child custody, visitation, alimony, child support, separate maintenance agreement or contempt. A.   Uncontested modifications without court appearance B.   Contested modifications ending in a settlement without court appearance.	Full Full	$280 $350
Name Change  (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required for a change of a Covered Person's legal name. A.  One Covered Person, only B.  Each additional Covered Person named in the petition **	Full Full	$240 $60
Tenant Negotiations (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required to draft correspondence and Negotiate for a Covered Person as a tenanta with regard to Landlord/Tenant issues	Full	$210
Wills and Trusts (Limited to one per Benefit Year per Family Unit) The legal services required by a Covered Person for the completion of a: A.  Simple Will, or B.  Reciprocal Simple Wills for employee and spouse, or** C.  Will with trust provision for dependent child(ren), or D.  Reciprocal Wills with trust provisions for dependent child(ren) for employee and spouse, or ** E.  Codicil F.   Living Will, or G.  Durable Power of Attorney	Full Full Full Full Full Full Full	$75 $100 $130 $175 $75 $75 $60

Exclusions and Limitations

Not Covered: Any services or charges in connection with any of the following:

1.  The participation in any business venture, including, but not limit to: proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, commercial endeavors, rental property, patents, copyrights or trademarks.  A business venture is defined as an activity which produces or is contemplated to produce revenue.
2.  Preparing or filing income tax returns.
3.  Estate planning matters, including, but not limited to:  complex wills or trusts, living trusts, or revocable/irrevocable trusts.
4.  Workers Compensation Law, Unemployment matters, Admiralty; Federal Employers Liability Act.
5.  Judicial appeal proceedings, group or class actions, intervention, and amicus curiae filings.
6.  A Civil Action pursued in court where the Covered Person is a plaintiff.  This applies only if the monetary amount of the suit would fall within the jurisdiction of a small claims court or its equivalent.  The Preventive LegalCare Office will give advice to a Covered Person on how to pursue a claim in such a court.
7.  Consultations, civil, or criminal legal actions, any part of which: (a) involve the Contract Holder, or any included employer, or the labor organization or union, if any, which collectively bargained for this coverage; or (b) relate to your employment would exclude the entire action.
8.  Legal actions involving the AIG Premiere Insurance Company or any of its parents or affiliated companies, agents, administrators, subcontractors, or which involve disputes about the insurance.
9.  Legal proceedings for which the Covered Person had consulted or retained an attorney prior to becoming covered under this insurance.
10.  Legal proceedings in which both the plaintiff and the defendant are persons in the same Family Unit.  This does not apply to Legal Services listed as Matrimonial Matters in the List of Legal Services.
11.  Defense of criminal charges against a Covered Person if any of the following has contributed to the cost of this insurance on behalf of that Covered Person:  (i) the victim of the crime; (ii) someone who is in the same Family Unit as the victim.
12.  Fines, title insurance costs, court costs, court appointed attorneys, filing fees, subpoenas, assessments, penalties, expert witness fees and other related expenses (e.g., facsimile, copy expense, postage, long distance phone charges, mileage, etc.).
13.  Services where the attorney's fee is provided by statute from a fund subjudice or paid by contingent fee (e.g., personal injury).
14.  Services performed by an attorney who is related to the Covered Person by blood or marriage.
15.  Services not performed by an attorney.  Services performed by a paralegal under the direct supervision of an attorney will be treated as if performed by the attorney.
16.  Services provided outside the United States.
17.  Any legal proceeding in which the Covered Person is entitled to legal representation or reimbursement for the costs thereof from any source other than this policy (subject to Coordination of Benefits provisions).
18.  Charges for services involving defense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Maximum Attorney Fees  The maximum eligible reimbursement fee for attorney services is $17.50 per quarter hour, up to the maximum stated in the Benefit Schedule.

Court Awarded Fees  In the event the court awards attorney's fees in a matrimonial legal matter, the amounts payable under the Plan must be used to offset the attorney's total fees for such legal services.

Extension of Benefits  If coverage for you or one of your eligible dependents ends, your legal services coverage will be extended to cover legal services completed within the next 90 days provided an attorney has been retained and the event precipitating the need for legal services occurred prior to the date the coverage ended.  For an Estate Administration and Estate Closing, the 90-day limit will not apply and the Covered Person who died need not have retained an attorney prior to death.

If any statement in this document conflicts with the applicable insurance contract, the contract will govern.

Only one benefit will be payable for all legal services arising out of a single cause of action or event resulting in the need for the legal services.  Signature LegalCare will decide which benefit will be payable.

Claims are to be submitted for reimbursement consideration upon the completion of the legal service.  Claims are considered for payment based on the legal service the attorney actually performed, not necessarily the service for which the attorney was originally retained.

HOW DO I USE SIGNATURE LEGALCARE AFTER I ENROLL?

Step 1    You may call the Signature LegalCare Service Center anytime.  Customer Service Representatives are available to assist you  between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday - Friday by dialing 800-848-2012 (hearing impaired, 800-535-2348) when a legal issue or concern arises.  In emergency situations, the toll-free number can be used 24 hours a day, every day.  Our Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) is also available 24 hours a day at the number listed above, and offers the following options:

During the IVR session, you may choose to speak directly with a Customer Service Representative, between the  hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday - Friday (except holidays) to obtain answers to other questions or to speak with a Signature LegalCare Attorney.

Step 2    If you would like to talk with an Attorney by phone, the Customer Service Representative will transfer you to an independent law firm known as the Preventive LegalCare Office (PLCO) so you can immediately discuss your legal issue.

Step 3    When you decide to visit an Attorney, call your Attorney or select an Attorney from the Participating Attorney Directory and schedule an appointment.  Take your claim form with you to the appointment.

Step 4    After legal services have been rendered, a claim form should be completed and mailed to the Signature LegalCare Service Center.  The Covered Member must sign the claim form.  Most Participating Attorneys will accept assignment of benefits from Signature LegalCare Covered Members, eliminating the need for a Covered Member to file a claim form.  The Participating Attorney will submit a fully documented claim form on the Covered Member's behalf.  If a non-network Attorney is used, the Covered Member is responsible for filing a claim form reimbursement consideration.

Key Facts on Plan Administration...

If any statement in this document conflicts with the applicable insurance contract, the contract will govern.

Only one benefit will be payable for all legal services arising out of a single cause of action or event resulting in the need for the legal services.  Signature LegalCare will decide which benefit will be payable.

Claims are to be submitted for reimbursement consideration upon the completion of the legal service. Claims are considered for payment based on the legal service the attorney actually performed, not necessarily the service for which the attorney was originally retained.

Web Site

                        You may visit the Signature LegalCare Web site to obtain information about your Plan.
Our address is:

  www.legalcareplan.com

Upon visiting the web site you will be required to identify the name of your Plan Sponsor, State of Rhode Island from the list of companies shown and to enter your password.  The password for State of Rhode Island is (call Benefits at 874-9054 for this password).  You may receive the following information: Participating Attorney information a printable Claim Form, Plan Specific information, and general inquiries regarding Signature LegalCare.  Due to the confidential nature of the information you are accessing, it is important that you do not share your company name and password with others.