FAQs About the Legal Services Program

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A:  The Legal Services Program (LSP) is a program that is designed solely to provide our members and quests with access to competent and affordable legal services in the areas of estate planning, elder law, trusts & estates, and probate.

 

Statistics show that nearly two-thirds of all individuals don't have a will.  While that number is staggering, it begs the simple question, "why?"  Certainly, the answer to that question is not for lack of love or affection or a genuine desire to provide for one's family and friends.  In fact, statistics show that most people fail to plan their estates for several very different reasons:  First, many individuals don't understand the need for planning, as evidenced by the pervasive belief that estate planning is only for the rich.  Second, many individuals are fearful of the estate planning process, of the legal system (including probate), and the role of lawyers and judges.

 
Our mission is to help our members and guests overcome these fears, and enable them to take the necessary steps to protect their loved ones in the event of a death or disability.  To that end, we have developed what we call the five steps to effective estate planning.   The "Five Steps to Effective Estate Planning" include (1) Knowing Where You are Today, (2) Identifying Your Beneficiaries, (3) Setting Your Goals and Objectives, (4) Developing a Plan of Action, and (5) Putting Your Plan into Effect.

 

In order to complete these five steps successfully, we know that most people will need to learn a little bit about the estate planning process.  We can help in that area by providing good, unbiased information on all aspects of  estate planning, including living trusts, probate, etc.  In addition, our social networking programs enable our members and guests to discuss common issues among themselves in order to find common solutions.  We are also instituting regular community-based meetings so that our members and guests can assemble in their own local communities to discuss topical issues and learn from local professionals on issues of interest to them. 

 

In most cases, however, there is no real substitute for the hands-on advice and experience that a skilled estate planning attorney can provide.  Whether you choose to have an estate planning attorney involved from beginning to end, or just need an opinion on a specific issue, knowing that a skilled and experienced estate planning attorney is available when you need one can make all the difference in the world.

 

Unfortunately, many well-intentioned attempts at estate planning break down when it comes time to hire an attorney.  The simple truth is that most people don't have an established relationship with an attorney, so they wait until something dreadful is about to happen or they just forget about it altogether.  In some cases, they will simply buy a will and other estate planning document from an internet company .   While those documents may pass legal muster, there is no guarantee that the documents will come close to achieving their goals and objectives.   Yes, documents purchased over the internet are often low in cost, but that's because you're paying just for the  document.  In that case,  your serving as your own general contractor, and you miss out on all the expert advice that a skilled estate planning attorney brings to the table.  

 

That's where our legal services program comes in.  Our legal services program puts you in direct contact with leading estate planning attorneys in your own local area.  We do the leg work in identifying attorneys with the required credentials and experience.  We verify their credentials with their state bar organizations and we verify their malpractice insurance coverages. We even arrange for a free 45-minute consultation with any number of LSP attorneys so that you can size them up and make your own determination as to which one is right for you.  The choice is entirely up to you.  We just make it easier for you to get the expert advice you need.

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Q:  How are Participating Attorneys selected?

A:  In order to participate in the Legal Services Program, an attorney must:

1. be a member in good standing of his or her state bar;
2. be engaged in the practice of law on a full-time basis;
3. have at least three (3) years of experience as an estate planning attorney;
4. devote at least twenty-five percent (25%) of his or her legal practice to estate planning;
5. carry professional liability insurance equal to at least $100,000 per claim and $300,000 in the aggregate;
6. agree to provide an initial 30-minute consultation without charge; and,
7. agree to provide a written fee agreement before starting any work on your behalf.

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Q:   Are Participating Attorneys employed by the Living Trust Network?

A:  No, attorneys participating in the Legal Services Program are not employed by the Living Trust Network.  Instead, they are independent contractors, which means that the Living Trust Network cannot dictate what services are provided to you or how those services are provided.  In addition, the Living Trust Network cannot dictate how much a participating attorney charges for his or her services.  Those are matters that are left entirely to each Participating Attorney.  Of course, you are always free to negotiate those matters directly with a Participating Attorney.  The Living Trust Network is not a party to any relationship between you and a ParticipatingAttorney.  Accordingly, no attorney/client relationship is created between you and the Living Trust Network.
 

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Q:   What if I have a complaint against a Participating Attorney?

A:   If you have a complaint against a Participating Attorney, you should contact us immediately.  You may also contact  us by regular mail at the following address:

Legal Services Program
Living Trust Network, LLC
45 Dry Bridge Road
Canton, CT 06019

We will handle your complaint as expeditiously as possible, and we will make every effort to reach a satisfactory resolution between you and your Participating Attorney.

 

You should know, however, that the relationship created between you and your Participating Attorney is legally protected under the law.  Since the Living Trust Network is not a party to the agreement between you and your  Participating Attorney, we may be limited in our ability to help resolve your complaint.  For example, we can assist you regarding your Participating Attorney's fees and his or her diligence in completing the services that are to be performed.  However, the law does not allow us to interfere in an attorney's representation of a client or the manner in which the attorney's services are provided.

 

In the majority of cases, however, a reasonable resolution can be reached, and we will certainly make the effort to do so on your behalf.  If we are unable to help you reach a reasonable resolution, then you have the right to file a grievance against the Participating Attorney with the governing body of your local state bar, or to take other legal action.  That is your right, and we may advise that course of action if it is deemed appropriate under the circumstances.
 

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Q:   What if I have additional questions?

A:  If you have any questions and/or comments that are not addressed in this FAQs page, please contact us.  We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
 

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