Attorney
What would it cost to have a lawyer you could call whenever a legal question came up? Less than you think. A prepaid legal plan gives you access to attorney consultations, document preparation, and representation across multiple practice areas for one predictable annual fee. Our plan in Pensacola covers estate planning, family law, criminal defense, and more, including services like lady bird deeds that many plans overlook. A Pensacola prepaid legal plan attorney at Staples Law Group makes legal guidance accessible and affordable for individuals and families throughout Northwest Florida.
What Does Our Prepaid Legal Plan Cover?
Our prepaid legal plan encompasses a broad range of legal services to address various needs, including estate planning with assistance drafting wills, lady bird deeds, and powers of attorney. We designed this plan so that Pensacola individuals and families can access real legal help across the areas of law that affect everyday life. The plan also covers family law matters like divorce, custody, and support disputes, along with criminal defense services for a range of state criminal charges, protecting your rights throughout the legal process including trial.
We offer members of numerous ncredit unions in Escambia and Santa Rosa County a prepaid legal services plan. Here is a closer look at the key services included:
- Estate planning: Wills, powers of attorney, lady bird deeds, and guidance on planning for future financial affairs
- Family law: Divorce (uncontested and contested after one year of enrollment), child custody, and child support matters
- Criminal defense: Representation for misdemeanor and felony charges at both county and circuit court levels
- Civil matters: Civil cases at both county and circuit court levels
- Attorney letters: Cease and desist letters, dispute correspondence, and other personal legal communications
Members receive up to a maximum number of hours of attorney time to address legal questions and concerns. After receiving the maximum hours of legal counsel per calendar year, you will be charged a reduced hourly rate. This structure means that for most legal matters, plan members pay nothing beyond their annual membership fee.
How a Prepaid Legal Plan Saves You Money
Legal plans provide subscribers who pay a modest monthly cost with access to lawyers who can handle basic legal problems. But our plan goes further than basic advice. Our program is tailored for individuals who require legal advice on divorce, child custody, child support, and estate planning matters, and with this plan, you can consult with us on a legal matter without incurring additional legal fees.
The financial advantage becomes clear when you compare the cost of the plan to standard attorney rates. The average hourly rate for legal services continues to rise nationally, and a single consultation on a family law or estate planning matter can easily run several hundred dollars. With our plan, that same consultation is already covered. Whether you need a will drafted, a custody question answered, or guidance on a criminal charge, the cost is predictable and manageable from day one.
By taking a preventative approach, you might be able to address a legal issue before it becomes a bigger problem, which can potentially save you time, money, and stress. Getting legal advice early, before a dispute escalates or a deadline passes, often means a faster resolution and lower overall costs. That is one of the most practical benefits of having a plan already in place.
Lady Bird Deeds: A Key Benefit for Pensacola Homeowners
One of the most valuable services covered under our prepaid legal plan is the preparation of a lady bird deed, also known as an enhanced life estate deed. A Florida Lady Bird deed is designed to allow property owners to transfer property to others automatically upon their death while maintaining use, control and ownership during the owner’s lifetime.
Florida is one of only a few states to permit the use of an enhanced life estate deed for probate avoidance purposes.
For Pensacola homeowners, a lady bird deed offers several important advantages:
Probate Avoidance
A lady bird deed avoids probate for the specific property it covers. Florida probate costs can be significant, with statutory attorney fees on a $500,000 estate reaching approximately $15,000.
Retained Control
Unlike a traditional life estate deed, where the owner cannot sell or mortgage the property without the beneficiaries’ consent, a lady bird deed preserves all of the owner’s rights.
Tax Benefits
Beneficiaries receive a stepped-up tax basis at the owner’s death, and the property’s cost basis resets to fair market value on the date of death, eliminating capital gains tax on appreciation during the owner’s lifetime.
Homestead Protection
A lady bird deed does not affect the homestead exemption, the Save Our Homes cap, or any other property tax benefit, because ownership stays with the original owner until death.
Without a prepaid legal plan, having an attorney draft a lady bird deed would typically require a separate consultation fee and document preparation charge. Under our plan, this estate planning service is included, making it one of the most cost-effective ways for Pensacola homeowners to protect their property and their family’s future.
Who Benefits Most from a Prepaid Legal Plan?
Our plan is built for people who want to be prepared rather than reactive. If you are a homeowner in the Pensacola area who wants to set up a lady bird deed or draft a will, the plan covers those needs without a separate retainer. If you are going through a family law matter like a divorce or custody dispute, having an attorney already available to you reduces delay and stress. And if an unexpected criminal charge arises, you have immediate access to experienced defense representation.
The plan is especially well suited for:
- Homeowners planning to pass property to family members
- Individuals who anticipate needing legal guidance on family law matters
- Credit union members looking for affordable legal representation
- Anyone who wants the security of knowing an experienced attorney is available when needed
At Staples Law Group, we know the Pensacola community, and our peers and clients know our unwavering commitment to justice. As your attorneys, we work to uphold the law and make it work for you. We know many of our clients are unfamiliar with the legal system and will guide you through every step. Our firm has served Northwest Florida since 1973, and our prepaid legal plan reflects that same commitment to accessible, community-focused representation.
Ready to Secure Your Legal Safety Net?
Our prepaid legal plan gives you access to a full-service Pensacola law firm with over 50 years of experience, all for one predictable annual fee. Whether you need a lady bird deed, a will, family law counsel, or criminal defense, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about enrolling in our prepaid legal plan or to schedule your consultation.