Legal Services Benefit Plan
The LiUNA Local 527 Legal Services (1997) Trust Fund was established to help alleviate the costs faced by our members and their dependents in obtaining legal assistance. The legal benefits provided by the Plan are listed in the Member’s Legal Services Benefit Plan booklet.
*Please note: The information provided below is for your reference only. We recommend that you contact the Union office at 613-521-6565 prior to incurring any cost to ensure entitlement and coverage.
Members and their family may be entitled to the following Legal Benefits
includes reimbursement of legal services for legal advice and consultation
includes reimbursement of legal services for members and their spouses for the preparation of simple Wills or the revision of Wills and preparation of Powers of Attorney
includes reimbursement of legal services for the following: preparation of Prenuptial Agreement, preparation of a separation agreement, filing a petition for divorce or separation, family court and mediation services.
(as a tenant only) includes reimbursement of legal services for claims arising out of a Landlord/Tenant relationship regarding the employee’s rental dwelling.
Coverage includes reimbursement of legal services for the following: purchase or sale of a family dwelling, purchase of a lot in which to build a family dwelling, preparation of a new or renewal of mortgage, discharge of mortgage, preparation of a Spousal Co-Ownership Agreement
includes reimbursement of legal services in connection with any civil action or civil administration proceedings with the filing of a civil or administrative action by the member only
includes reimbursement of legal services in connection with any civil action or civil administration proceedings in which the member, spouse or dependent child is named as a defendant
includes reimbursement of legal services in connection with claims against a members’ insurer (except for benefits provided by Local 527)
includes reimbursement of legal services in connection with the preparation of non-complex legal documents including Powers of Attorney and notarized affidavits
includes reimbursement of legal services in matters arising out of disputes with WSIB and EI
includes reimbursement of legal services when charged under provincial or federal statues under the: Highway Traffic Act, Provincial Offenses Act , Criminal Code.
The above benefits have limitations and exclusions; a detailed description of the benefit coverage is available in the Members’ Legal Services Benefit Plan Booklet. Interpretation of the Plan and final determination of any claim that may be questioned will be governed by the Trustees of the LiUNA Local 527 Legal Services (1997) Trust Fund.
Legal Services Benefit Plan Frequently Asked Questions
Entitlement to Benefits
There is more than one factor that determines whether you are eligible for reimbursement. Therefore, due to the complexity of determining eligibility, it is your responsibility to contact the administrator prior to consulting a lawyer to determine whether you are eligible.
Questions below have been answered on the basis that the member meets all requirements to be eligible for benefits.
Benefit Coverage
No. The Plan does not pay for all legal costs that you may incur. Legal Services that are covered can be found on pages 8 through 13 in the Members’ Legal Services Benefit Plan Booklet.
Yes. There is a limitation under each category and there is maximum yearly limitation. It is important to note that taxes, disbursements and fees other that lawyer fees are excluded from coverage.
Yes. Reimbursement for the purchase of a family dwelling is limited to a maximum of $500.00, one purchase every five years.
Yes. The preparation of a new mortgage or renewal of mortgage is limited to $400.00, one claim every 24 months.
Yes. A discharge of mortgage is limited to $300.00, one claim every 24 months.
Yes. Coverage under these proceedings is to a maximum of $600.00, one claim per calendar year.
Yes. Coverage under these proceedings is to a maximum of $1,500.00, one claim per calendar year. Also, mediation services for divorce, separation and domestic proceedings is limited to 50% of the total cost to a maximum of $1.500.00
Yes. You and your spouse will be covered to a maximum of $200.00 each for your Wills and $100.00 each for your Powers of Attorney.
Claims Procedure
Please fill in and submit the Legal Claim Form with your detailed Statement of Account from your lawyer and required documentation. The administrator will determine your eligibility for benefits and provide you with any further information required based on the claim you are submitting.
All claims submitted must be accompanied by a detailed statement of account indicating the services rendered and that the account has been paid in full. Some of the documents required are listed on the Legal Claim Document Requirement Sheet. Since documents are specific to the legal services provided, other documentation may be required. The Administrator and Trustees reserve the right to request other information to process your claim.
Yes. You have 12 months from the date of the service to submit your claim.
No. You must choose your own lawyer.
No. All claims submitted must first be paid in full and payment for the reimbursement of any claim will only be made to the member.
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