UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be a daunting task for anyone, but especially for working families and retirees. Understanding your rights and having access to reliable legal guidance is paramount. For many Kentuckians, particularly those with ties to the automotive industry, a valuable resource exists right here in Louisville: the UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan. This plan is designed to provide accessible and often, highly affordable, legal support to eligible members and their families, addressing a wide range of everyday legal needs without the typical financial burden.

The UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan is a unique benefit, specifically established to offer personal legal services to eligible participants for legal problems arising under the laws of the United States or Canada. It operates as a Taft-Hartley Plan, focusing primarily on "office legal work" and referral services. This means that while direct litigation might not be covered, the Plan offers crucial initial support, advice, and document preparation, which are vital steps in addressing many legal challenges. Its mission is to empower UAW members and their families with the legal assistance they need to navigate life's significant moments and unexpected hurdles.

This program has been a cornerstone of support for eligible UAW members for years, providing a crucial safety net for those who might otherwise struggle to afford legal representation. The focus on “office services” allows for proactive legal planning and problem-solving, which can often prevent issues from escalating into more costly and time-consuming litigation. For residents across Kentucky, especially those in and around Louisville, knowing about such a beneficial program can be a real game-changer when it comes to managing personal legal affairs with confidence and peace of mind.

The UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan has a physical office conveniently located right here in Louisville, Kentucky. You can find them at 1939 Goldsmith Ln UNIT 117, Louisville, KY 40218, USA. This central location in Louisville makes it relatively accessible for many residents within the greater Louisville metropolitan area and surrounding parts of Kentucky. The office is situated within the Austin Building, making it easy to spot and navigate to.

While the physical office serves as a point of contact and for in-person consultations when necessary, it's important to note that the UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan also emphasizes communication by phone and email. This approach ensures that even if you're located a bit further afield in Kentucky, or if visiting in person is challenging, you can still access their services efficiently. This flexibility in communication methods is a significant advantage, allowing members from various corners of the state to receive timely legal advice and support without undue travel. The plan has a network of staff offices in several states, including Kentucky, demonstrating its commitment to being locally available to its eligible members.

The UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan provides a range of "office work" legal services designed to assist eligible participants with common legal needs. These services generally involve advice, document preparation, document review, factual and legal research, and correspondence. It's crucial to understand that while comprehensive, the plan does not typically cover litigation services, meaning they won't represent you in court for most matters. However, for issues requiring court activity or not covered by "office work," they can often provide low-cost referrals to private attorneys who have contracted with the Plan to offer reduced rates to eligible members.

Here are some of the key legal matters that may benefit you under your UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan:

• Wills and Estates: Assistance with preparing wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure your wishes are clear and your family is provided for. This can bring significant peace of mind.
• Powers of Attorney and Deeds: Help with drafting or reviewing important documents like powers of attorney and deeds, ensuring your legal affairs are in order and your family understands your wishes regarding crucial decisions.
• Residential Real Estate Matters: Support with the purchase or sale of your home, including preparing and reviewing documents, and guidance in preparing for closings. This also extends to leases and other uncontested residential real estate issues.
• Mortgage Loan Modification Assistance: Guidance and support for those seeking to modify their mortgage loans, helping to navigate complex federal programs that could prevent foreclosure. An attorney can work with you and often your housing counselor to help when you are doing what you should but the loan is not getting modified.
• Uncontested Family Matters: Assistance with certain family law issues that do not involve court litigation, such as name changes and birth or marriage certificates.
• Credit Reporting and Consumer Contracts: Advice and support regarding credit problems, consumer contracts, and issues related to credit reporting.
• Traffic Matters: Legal advice concerning traffic tickets and moving violations.
• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid Questions: Guidance and advice on various aspects of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits. For Social Security Disability benefits (applications, suspensions, terminations), the Plan provides full representation for active workers and retirees, including attendance at hearings.
• Low-Cost Referrals: For legal issues not covered under the "office work" benefit or those requiring court activity, the Plan can refer eligible members to private attorneys who offer services at a reduced rate. This includes matters like adoption, contested family matters, guardianships, collection matters, bankruptcies, and real estate litigation.

• Dedicated to UAW-Ford Members: The Plan is specifically tailored to serve active workers, retirees, spouses, and surviving spouses of employees of Ford, FCA, and General Motors who are represented by the UAW.
• Focus on "Office Work" and Prevention: By emphasizing "office work" services, the Plan helps members proactively manage their legal affairs, often preventing minor issues from escalating into more significant and costly problems that might require litigation.
• Experienced Legal Professionals: The plan's staff attorneys and cooperating attorneys are experienced in the various areas of law they cover, providing knowledgeable guidance.
• Accessible Remote Services: The Plan has long emphasized providing services by phone and email, which makes it highly accessible for members across Kentucky, regardless of their proximity to the Louisville office. This was particularly beneficial during times when in-person visits were challenging.
• High Client Satisfaction: Testimonials from past clients reflect a strong sense of satisfaction with the services received. For example, one client noted, "They were very quick and assisted me in everyday possible that was even with me giving them such short notice." Another highlighted the positive experience with a specific attorney: "Jim Fischer helped me make a great decision in my life changing situation." These reviews underscore the dedication and helpfulness of the team.
• No Direct Cost for Covered Services: For eligible participants, many of the "office work" benefits are covered as part of their UAW benefit package, significantly reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket legal fees.

As the UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan is a negotiated benefit for eligible UAW members, its primary "promotion" is the provision of covered legal services at no direct cost to the eligible participant for “office work” matters. The value of this benefit lies in the access to professional legal assistance that would otherwise incur significant fees. For matters not directly covered, the Plan facilitates access to a network of cooperating attorneys who provide services at significantly reduced rates, offering a substantial financial advantage compared to seeking private counsel independently. These arrangements are integral to the Plan's structure, offering ongoing value rather than temporary promotions.

If you are an eligible UAW-Ford member in Kentucky and wish to learn more or access the services of the UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan, here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: 1939 Goldsmith Ln UNIT 117, Louisville, KY 40218, USA
• Phone: (502) 456-4222
• Mobile Phone: +1 502-456-4222 (This number is the same as the main phone number, indicating direct mobile accessibility or a general office line for inquiries).

It is recommended to call ahead to discuss your eligibility and the nature of your legal matter. While in-person visits are possible at their Louisville office, many initial inquiries and case intakes are handled over the phone to streamline the process. The main national intake line for the UAW-FCA-Ford-General Motors Legal Services Plan is (800) 482-7700, and they operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET). This national line can verify eligibility and direct you to the appropriate resources, including the Louisville office.

For UAW-Ford members and their families living in Kentucky, the UAW-Ford Legal Services Plan in Louisville is more than just a law office; it's an invaluable benefit designed to make legal assistance accessible and affordable. In a world where legal fees can quickly become a barrier to justice, this Plan offers a crucial pathway to addressing personal legal concerns without undue financial strain. Whether you're planning for your future with a will, navigating a real estate transaction, or seeking advice on credit issues, having a trusted legal resource like this at your disposal is a significant advantage.

The local Louisville office provides a convenient physical presence for Kentuckians, while the emphasis on remote communication ensures that members across the state can readily access services. The positive feedback from those who have utilized the Plan's services, highlighting prompt assistance and effective guidance, speaks volumes about their commitment to their members. For eligible individuals, this is not just about having a lawyer; it's about having a dedicated team ready to support you through various life changes and challenges, helping you make informed decisions and protecting your interests. It truly is a beneficial resource for Kentuckians who are part of the UAW-Ford family, offering peace of mind and expert legal support right in your backyard.