TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 42
LEGAL BENEFIT PLAN

$10.25 PER-MONTH PER-EMPLOYEE, based on a work month of 173 hours. The hourly contribution rate of  $.06 cents per hour delivers to the member the COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL BENEFIT PLAN described.

THE TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 42 LEGAL PLAN IS DESIGNED TO GIVE INFORMATION TO ALL TEAMSTER OFFICERS AND BUSINESS AGENTS, AND MEMBERS  OF BENEFITS OFFERED BY THE LEGAL PLAN AND THE COST AND VALUE OF THE PLAN TO EACH EMPLOYER. THE TRUST IS A TAFT HARTLEY TRUST WITH UNION TRUSTEES AND EMPLOYER TRUSTEES.

THE CONTRIBUTION MUST BE MADE THROUGH A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE EMPLOYER.

THE BENEFIT EXTENDS TO SPOUSES AND CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 19 YEARS.

A visit to an attorney for a legal matter may cost you a minimum retainer of $2,000.00. This equals contributions made on your behalf over a period of 16 years.

BENEFIT DESCRIPTION

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS

Benefits under this section include advice and representation in matters involving federal, state and local governmental agencies. Examples of some of these agencies and types of problems include:

ADVICE AND CONSULTATION

In many instances an attorney can answer questions or provide assistance over the telephone or in a short office conference. This benefit allows participants to contact an attorney about any personal matter. For example, you may wish to contact an attorney about:

CIVIL LITIGATION AND CONSUMER COMPLAINTS

The Plan provides legal services to its members in a wide variety of proceedings or matters which are not in any way related to "criminal" proceedings and thus are termed "civil" proceedings.

Examples of some of the areas where advice and representation are provided include:

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS

IF YOU ARE SUED OR NEED TO SUE...

The Plan provides legal assistance to any of its members who may have purchased an item which is faulty or otherwise does not live up to the claims of its manufacturer. Also provided is assistance to members in enforcing WARRANTY provisions and in situations where unsatisfactory services or repairs have been rendered. Some examples of the services provided under this benefit are:

The plan also provides advice and representation to any member who is sued or taken to court by a merchant or repairman who is attempting to collect on a bill for merchandise purchased or services rendered. If the merchandise is faulty or the repairs unsatisfactory, you may not be liable to pay the full price and need not be intimidated by threats of legal actions against you.

Example: A repairman may not have done his job properly or an article has been delivered in faulty condition or in disrepair. If you do not pay the full amount of the bill, it may be turned over to a collection agency. This benefit provides assistance and representation through all stages of the proceedings.

CRIMINAL MATTERS

DOMESTIC RELATIONS (FAMILY AND MARITAL MATTERS)

DOMESTIC PROBLEMS

In matters concerning divorce or dissolution, separation or annulment, benefits are provided on the basis of one such action or proceeding in each three (3) year period. Children of participants are not eligible for these benefits.

The plan provides representation, advice and consultation to the member only.

Matters that are frequently covered under this benefit include the following:

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION

A. WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING

Each participant and eligible dependents are entitled to have a Last Will and Testament, Will with Simple Trust, or Will With Marital Residual Trust prepared on the basis of once every two (2) years unless circumstances require a change sooner.

The plan provides advice, counseling and preparation of necessary documents for all members regarding the disposition of their estates after death. In many cases, an attorney can assist in minimizing estate and inheritance taxes and insuring that property passes according to the wishes of a deceased without unnecessary delay or inconvenience. The Panel Attorney will discuss with each member the necessity of a Will and the type each should have in order to carry out the wishes of the member and protect the family and estate.

B. PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES

Most states require that the property of a deceased pass through a court procedure called "Probate" or "Administration." The Plan provides representation, advice, and assistance to the member and spouse only for the estate of the member or spouse  who is entitled to be appointed personal representative, executor, or administrator of the member or spouse’s estate.

FINANCIAL COUNSELING

This benefit includes the following coverage:

LANDLORD AND TENANT

Coverage is only provided for the representation of tenants, which involve:

PERSONAL INJURY

Example: In cases which the participant has had his insurance canceled and failed to purchase new insurance or in cases which participant is the defendant in a law suit seeking monies for damages which exceeds the limits of coverage in the existing insurance policy.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Coverage of this benefit is as follows:

TRAFFIC MATTERS

This benefit includes:

Traffic misdemeanors, driving without a license, or without insurance are covered under the criminal benefit section.

COST AND EXPENSES

Expenses Covered by Plan:

Certain disbursements and court costs will be covered by the Plan up to a maximum of $250.00 per family per year for eligible participants.

These costs include necessary filing fees for legal documents in connection with a pending action or proceeding, filing fees for depositions and fees for the service of a subpoena.

Expenses Not Covered by Plan:

Participant bears cost of the following expenses: