Federal Legal FAQs

Being enrolled in a legal plan is like having a lawyer on retainer on your side. When you use a Network Attorney for covered services, all attorney fees are covered by your legal plan. For $14 or $22 a month, you have access to the expert guidance and tools you can use to handle the broad range of personal legal needs you might face throughout your life. This could be when you're buying or selling a home, starting a family, dealing with identity theft or caring for aging parents. The Federal Legal Plan includes advice and consultations on an unlimited number of personal legal matters.

What is covered by the plan?

Your plan will fully cover many of the most frequently needed services for addressing personal legal matters, and you will also be entitled to advice and consultations for an unlimited number of personal legal issues even for matters not fully covered by your plan, as long as they are not excluded services. (See terms of service for a list of excluded matters.) You can also visit the Covered Services section to view examples of covered legal matters.

Are pre-existing matters covered?

Yes, you may use the legal plan to resolve as many legal issues as possible, even if they are pre-existing matters. The only pre-existing matters that are not covered are those for which you retained an attorney before becoming eligible for plan benefits.

What does “fully covered” mean?

“Fully covered” means that all attorney services related to the covered matter are included in the legal plan when you work with a Network Attorney. There are no co-pays, deductibles or claim forms when you use a Network Attorney.

Who is eligible for the plan?

Federal civilians and their eligible family members which includes:
Federal employees and annuitants and their family members who are eligible for FEDVIP. Uniformed Service members and their eligible family members which includes:
Veterans, Active Duty members, National Guard/Reservists, retirees, and their family members who are eligible for FEDVIP or CHAMPVA.

Will the plan cover my family members?

Yes, the plan provides coverage for your dependents, including your spouse and your covered children. A child will be covered if he or she is under the Limiting Age (either 26 or 21 depending on your state), is either your natural child, adopted child or stepchild, is unmarried, is not employed on a full-time basis, resides in your home, and depends on you for over half of his or her financial support.

How will I use my plan once my coverage begins?

When you need legal help, we've made it easy for you. Our network attorneys are available in person, by phone or by email. We also offer access to online tools to complete your estate planning documents or download self-help legal forms. You can speak to our network attorneys face to face, by phone, or you can submit questions online to our Attorney e-Panel – whatever works best for you. And for certain legal matters, your attorney can represent you in court without you having to make an appearance.

Can I get help finding the right attorney for my needs?

Yes - our Client Service Center representatives are here to help you find the right attorney that can help you with your legal matter, whatever it might be. We're committed to ensuring you receive the expert legal help you need, when you need it.

Can I use an attorney more than once?

Yes – you have unlimited use of the plan over the course of the year for covered legal matters.

How does MetLife attract top attorneys?

Even experienced attorneys need to grow their practice. By providing exceptional service for you and other plan members, they can gain more clients through your referrals. That's how we've established a large network of highly experienced attorneys, averaging 25 years of experience. And, we routinely monitor our attorneys to ensure our members' needs are being met and conduct regular re-credentialing audits of legal activity, member feedback, verification of malpractice insurance and more.

Can I use an attorney who is not in the network?

Yes – you can use any attorney you'd like. If you choose an attorney who is not in our network, we'll reimburse you for covered services based on a set fee schedule. You will be responsible for the difference, if any, between the amount your plan pays and the amount your attorney charges for services.

How will I pay for my plan?

Your monthly payments will be made through convenient automatic withdrawals from the bank account of your choice.

When will my coverage begin?

For how long will I be covered?

You'll enroll for 12 months of coverage starting on your coverage effective date. At the end of 12 months, your policy will renew automatically unless you request a cancellation before renewal.

What makes this legal plan different from other legal plans?

We make using the plan easy. Members have unlimited access to our attorneys for all legal matters covered under the plan. We also cover telephone and office consultations even for non-covered personal legal matters, so long as they are not excluded. These services are offered by local network attorneys, and billing is between us and the network attorney. There are no waiting periods, no copays, no deductibles and no claim forms.