Family Law Resolution

Empowered & Saved $300.00

I've been divorced from my children's father for over 9 years now and at the
time was "hurried" for a settlement wherein there was minimal child support.
Over the last few years, as my children have reached teenage years, I have
reached out for the strength to deal with such a stressful issue and to again 
enrich the pocket of yet another attorney!

After my ex-husband had moved out of Arkansas, last February, I called our
providing attorney firm and talked it over with them. I was then referred out to
counsel in my locale since the jurisdiction was at issue and the matter needed 
to be moved from Arkansas to Kansas. However, I still lacked the composure 
to begin a, knowingly hostile, suit.

With good advice from husband and brother, I tried to amiably request from my ex-husband a review of child support and medical premium. Guess what? He said WWIV would break out, ( WWIII was our child custody suit ) and reduced me to anger and tears. I let him win again.

In my dealings with my Pre-Paid Legal family, the confidence and strength that I've gained, I have resolved that he cannot - unless I give him permission to do so - "bully" me again. It is RIGHT that he pay for his share of their support. It is RIGHT that the situation be reviewed - and I feel confident that the attorney who is in charge, will diligently seek the answers on my behalf.

My appointment was last Wednesday and I saved $300 over his usual $1200.00 -  ten hour retainer for such a matter. I can't tell you how powerful it feels to know that I can also critique the referral attorney on the job he does for me as well!

Coleen Cossell
Kansas

Lease Agreement

My name is Billy Pine and I am an associate working in Milton, Ontario. 
Having been a member of PPL since 1998, while having a New York State 
membership, I was able to effectively use the service to get a great financial 
saving for myself. 

Along with the Motor Vehicle help that I received in the moving violation 
department, on a couple of occasions, I was able to contact the provider 
law firm for New York, and get the assistance of handling the tickets. With 
the representation received, I was able to avoid marks on my license and to 
pay the applicable fine with no more problems. 

The real benefit that I received from Prepaid Legal Services came from the 
review of a lease agreement I had with a Leasing Company over a Copier in my business. At the tail end of the agreement (six months to go), the machine started acting up and needed repairs. The sales representative told me that if it broke down any further, I would have to repair it, ( $1,000.00 estimated cost ) because I couldn't return a machine that was not in working order. Forget the fact that I thought I would own it, outright, in the end, I had to scrap that thought when the company said the minimum price to keep the machine was $1,000.00. 

By the review of this lease agreement, I was told that I was stuck with this machine, but through the advice received, I was told to "cut my losses", give back the machine and pay the balance owed and end the agreement. When I told the sales representative of this, over the phone, he personally came to see me with a proposal to wipe away all remaining liability on the machine if I would lease a new machine that was in effect, the proper machine for the work I wanted to complete. By doing so, I would be saving over $5,000.00. Thanks to some smart thinking, by the provider attorney, I avoided any further problems and the savings came at a very critical time in my business. 

I will be forever grateful to the Prepaid Legal plan and would never be caught without it!! 

Billy Pine, 
Milton Ontario,
Canada.

Tax Resolution

I had sold my mobile home and was calling the purchaser's lawyers in Vancouver to find out how they were sending my cheque.

I was not using a lawyer as it's $50.00 for the purchasers to register with the Mobile Home Registry plus  the mobile was clear title.

I had signed over my rights to the mobile and faxed the papers back to these lawyers previously and was inquiring about my funds on the closure date.

Well, the lawyer's secretary told me they were not sending the monies until the Mobile was registered....which I have never heard of and I complained. The secretary mentioned the estate monies for their client (my purchaser) had not come in until that date, so how did I expect mine that same day? I mentioned registration could take a month.  Answer....that is the way it is.......also the fact the purchaser had the keys and already moved in the day before was ......"that's just what happens.....mobile homes are different".

So, I mentioned that I have PPL.  The secretary wanted to know what that was.  I explained it's Pre Paid Legal.  She then asked if I lived in Richmond?  "The Richmond Credit Union has Pre Paid Legal for their employees", she told me as she thought I lived on the Island. I agreed that I lived on the Island but I had Pre Paid Legal Care Canada.   "My Lawyers are Watson, Goepel, and Maledy", I said.  "Oh"....was the comment....."I'll see what I can do."

Before I called PPL I called her back about an hour later and gave my name.  Immediately she told me that my cheque was with Purilator and would be at my doorstep before noon the next day.  Sure enough it was ..... I did not even have to call PPL .....only mention the name of our provider firm Watson, Goepel,  Maledy!  It's like magic! 

 Submitted by  Annie Alexander  

  Equity Returned

In the summer of 1998, we moved from Bella Coola, B.C. to Vernon, B.C.  In Bella Coola, we were members of the Co-Op. How a Co-Op works, is you buy shares, and, as you shop and spend money, equity builds up.  Over the 25 years we lived there, we built up equity of approximately $1,800.  When we left Bella Coola, we requested that our membership be dissolved and that we be paid out our equity. They refused. We were told that, because we still owned property there, we could not have our money. If we had rented, there would be no problem. Needless to say, this did not make sense to us. We did not even know such a rule existed.  We fought with them for a year. Each time we made a request, it was staunchly turned down. The day that Pre-Paid Legal Care opened up in B.C, we took out a membership. The first thing we did was phone the provider firm. We were promptly and courteously dealt with. The Attorney, we spoke with, advised us to write a letter to the Co-Op and request a copy of their by-laws and specifically a copy of the agreement that we signed that said we could not dissolve our membership and withdraw our equity if we owned property. We were then able to write a letter to them saying, that on the advice of our attorney, we were requesting the information. We were also able to let them know that a copy of that letter was being sent to our attorney. We mailed the letter off and 12 days later, at 9:30 at night, we received a phone call from a member of the Board of Directors. He said they had just finished a meeting and they were writing us a cheque. Not only that, they decided that the rule of not giving people their equity because they owned property was no longer proper. Others who moved and were having the same problems were getting their money too. No fuss, no hassle, one phone call, one letter. Thank you Pre-Paid Legal Care of Canada.

Marjean Fichtenberg,

Vernon, BC  

Security Deposit Returned

Sue Bosecker, Parksville B.C.

Home Owner Question

We have called our Provider Attorney many times since becoming members.

The most recent occasion occurred this past week and involved a large tree

in our yard which had produced roots that were causing some concern to our

next-door neighbor. 

He believed that the roots would damage the foundation to his house and he

wanted us to cut down the tree to solve the problem. We really like the tree

and did not want to see it removed unless it became necessary to do so. We

called the Provider attorney’s office to discuss the situation and to get some

advice on what to do next.

We were called back within a couple of hours and received courteous, pleasant service from the lawyer assigned to handle our situation. We were advised in simple terms what our rights were and what our neighbor was entitled to do in the situation. If this was the end of it, it would have been fine: our question had been answered, fully and promptly.

What happened next is the real reason to write this note. The lawyer suggested that if we were going to remove the tree, that we contact our local municipality to see if there might be some assistance, financial or otherwise, that could be available to us.

This is true thinking outside the box and we were impressed with the lawyer’s creativity and with the sincere attitude of trying to help us.

Well done!!

Jim Stocco and Shirley Steele.

  $4,000 for 1 Letter From Lawyer

  Member Vote Of Confidence

  Partial Refund On Truck Purchase

  Family Law & Computer Lease

Internet Issue

Member Saved $25,000.00

Dispute With Long Distance

Peace Of Mind & Expediency

On Saturday, September 25, 1999 at 4:30 AM, my wife’s car was totaled by a hit and run driver.

We were out of town, and had left her car parked at the curb in front of our house. When we returned to town all we had was a note from the R.C.M.P. (Incident Report) stating that the car was a write off and that the B.C. Insurance Corporation had possession of it.

Monday morning my wife, Dawn, called the Provider Law firm. In a matter of just a couple hours the Insurance Lawyer called back. Dawn explained that she didn’t have a problem yet but she didn’t want any. The lawyer gave Dawn directions as to how to present her information to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. (questions to ask and information to give).

Dawn then called I.C.B.C. and followed the directions from the lawyer exactly. This was at about 11:00 A.M. Monday. No stress, she knew what to do and how.

At approximately 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, (same week), she received a call from I.C.B.C. saying "Come pick up your cheque." 2 DAYS!  I have to believe this was because everything was done exactly right.

Now, as impressive as getting paid out in 2 days is, what I felt good about was, I didn’t need to be there. Because of PPL, Dawn had a source of reliable advice. This gives both, my wife and myself, PEACE OF MIND.

Jim Stewart, Powell River BC

Defective Car Brakes

Collection Agency Harassment

Airline Ticket Purchase

Embarrassment Rectified

Work Injury In Texas

Total Peace Of Mind

  Telephone Advice

Document Review

Divorce Issue

Contract Amended

Equine Law

I was a horse trainer in the Langley area for many years.  Just this
summer I was asked by some clients to help them sell their horse. Although I
was know longer selling horses I agreed to help them find an appropriate and experienced trainer to help sell their horse. I was very confident with
their horse for I had had a lot of experience with the horse over the past 6
years. After a month in my barn I moved the horse to a barn that was
recommended to me by another trainer as an excellent place to promote the
horse because the horse was worth a substantial amount of money and this
trainer specialized in the field necessary to sell this horse.  I placed the
horse in the care of the trainer for that barn.

About 4 weeks later I received a phone call to come and pick up the horse
for it had badly injured someone.  I immediately phoned the owners and we
picked up the horse that evening after dark.  Immediately the next day I
began to get phone calls from the injured party's lawyer, insurance agents,
veterinarians hired by the injured party's lawyer to come and examine the
horse.  I had no idea who to talk to, what questions to answer, what to say
and what not to say, and who I should allow on the property to examine the
horse, as I had not even had time to find out what had happened at the
accident.

I phoned our law firm and explained what had happened and I received a
phone call back from one of the lawyers.  Once I explained my situation she
had me fax all the contracts, waiver forms, and my statement to her for
verification.  Being a very serious situation, she brought the situation to
the attention of one of the senior partners in the firm and with their
guidance and instructions I began answering questions, and allowing certain
people on the property to examine the horse.

I had never had anything like this happen before and my membership to Pre
Paid Legal gave me exactly what I needed and that was peace of mind,
guidance, and experienced legal advice!  I have now had many phone calls
with both lawyers and have never received a bill.  There is no doubt that I
will keep this membership forever.
Thank you to the law firm and to Pre Paid Legal.

  Cheque Processing

Now, as a member and associate with Prepaid Legal, I could tell you all about the prompt, efficient and courteous service I have received from our provider lawyers...however...I won't...instead, let me tell you about my wife, Shelly, who was, shall we say, the least bit...skeptical, about how well Pre-paid Legal should work...one day, she was depositing her pay cheque at her bank, and the teller said, "Of course, we will have to hold this cheque for two weeks, you realize." Not a good thing to say to my wife, who does not suffer fools gladly, at the best of times. She politely asked why. "It's our policy." Then she asked why they simply could not call the credit union, and confirm that the cheque was good. "Oh, no, we can't do that, we have to hold the cheque." Then my wife looked the teller in the eye and said, "That cheque is to pay our rent this month. If you and your bank seek to hold my cheque for two weeks, and cause me not to pay my rent, then we're all gonna sit down, you, me, and your supervisor, and you can explain to MY LAWYER, exactly why you can't do that..." The teller blinked, swallowed, apologized, and deposited the cheque, without involving her supervisor.

Give you three reasons why both Shelly and I LOVE Prepaid Legal 1) It works. 2) It works and 3) It works. Any questions? Call me. Better yet, call my wife.

Sincerely, truly, and very happily

John Thomas Gordy

Yacht Warranty Issue

Dream Solution to Auto Insurance Nightmare

I don’t usually let my auto insurance lapse, but on May 2 my insurance ended and Murphy’s Law hard at work, on May 3 I backed into a lady’s car in Overwaitea parking lot.  I gave her my insurance information, not remembering until going to bed that my insurance had expired!

She went to ICBC, who called me and I admitted that it was my fault.  After a few days, the cost to replace her door came in at $639. 

On trying to figure out how I was going to pay it, I remembered I have PPL, it seemed a good time to test out the service. 

The lawyer helped me with how to speak to the ICBC adjuster. 

She also informed me that at their discretion, an insurance company could give me something called ‘relief against forfeiture’, and allow my insurance to extend a day to cover me. 

I was unable to get through to the ICBC adjuster.  She was not interested in hearing why I thought “relief against forfeiture” applied to this situation (I am wheelchair bound, living on bare subsistence level of money and have never let my insurance lapse before, in 30 years of insuring vehicles). 

She was not interested in hearing anything, so I was instructed to call her supervisor, who was even more hard-nosed.  Absolutely no way, even if it was only 15 minutes after midnight, I was not covered and that was that.

I called Alison back at my provider law firm, said, I can’t get anywhere. 

A few days later, I received a copy of a very polite letter, which the lawyers had sent to ICBC, stating my case. 

A few days later I received a letter informing me that they had made a phone call to the area supervisor and ICBC was covering me for the accident.  “Strictly good will”, they said.  But notice they gave good will when the lawyers asked for it, not when I did. 

It’s peace of mind to know I have help dealing with these otherwise expensive mistakes and issues that come along once in awhile, no matter how careful we think we are.

Connie Thurber

Cell Phone Warranty Issue

Property Share Recovered

 In 1994 I rode away from my common law husband, my 280 acre farm and my 2 teenage daughters, on my youngest daughter’s bicycle, with $80 in my purse and a change of underwear in my coat pocket.  A week later we talked and I was determined “this time” I wouldn’t go back to him.  I was also determined to have our properties and belongings tallied up.  I signed a separation agreement stamped by a notary public, witnessed by 3 other people, and put through the Supreme Courts.  He asked if he could have 5 years to pay and I agreed. Five years passed and the agreement wasn’t fulfilled.  I wrote him and it was ignored.  I left it for about 10 months then finally joined PPL and had a lawyer write a letter to him.

Within 30 days I was paid.

 Marie Lepetre

Warranty For Vehicle

I Found many REASONS to Call the Law Firm

When I first joined Pre-Paid Legal I didn’t think I had any need to call a lawyer. I have found a number of times to use my new Pre-Paid Legal Membership. First there was the big problem of a neighborhood dog left alone in an apartment to bark and bark until late in the night. A lawyer called me back and outlined my legal rights, in the municipality where I live, and the steps that were available to remedy this situation.

Next I inquired about bonding, since I was doing some house sitting, over the holidays. I wanted to find out if bonding was necessary and what the possible costs would be. A lawyer called me back and explained all about the bonding issue.

Lastly I considered leasing a computer. The lawyer called me back and discussed the pros and cons of this and what to look for in such a typical lease agreement. I decided not to go this route, and save myself some money. A month later I received a letter from Watson Goepel Maledy stating that they had not received the documents for review. I was impressed that they had opened a file awaiting my lease agreement.

I will continue to call when I need answers and don’t know my choices or rights. For me, the greatest benefit is just knowing I can get good unbiased information to help me make better decisions. This gives me a sense of peace and security because decision making has always been a big deal. Now, it is easier, I just get the facts, straight, and the decisions are made much easier. This is allowing me to lead a more proactive life instead of always responding to situations or even getting myself into a jam, before I seek help.

I am now in the process of doing my will. I plan to use my membership every opportunity I get and I am sure life will become easier and easier.

Liz Shaw

North Vancouver

Review Of Tenancy Lease

I have had life Insurance since I was 18 years old and always felt it a necessity. I had been approached, a number of years back, by a representative from another company. He told me that I had paid enough into my policy to have a fully paid up one with his company. I said if you bring me that back in writing we have a deal.

As the years went by, I had no problem, until that company merged with another. After the merger, every year we would get a bill and a threat of cancellation, if we didn’t pay. Each year I had to negotiate to carry on.

 Well finally this became too nerve racking and I said "that's enough!" I called the company this time and said "I want out." Now I really didn’t know where I was, and they wouldn’t give me straight answers. It was then that I decided to call my Pre-Paid Legal Lawyer. I received help from two lawyers in the Vancouver office. They asked me to write a letter to the Insurance Company and they would review it. I did this and they made a call to the Insurance Company and assured me that I would be dealt with, within one month.

A month and a half went by and nothing had happened. I was mad and didn't know what to do.  I picked up the phone and called the Pre-Paid Legal customer support line and told them I was really annoyed. They, in turn, phoned the lawyers.  The lawyer got back to me, in a few minutes, and you could tell that she was a little annoyed that the Insurance Company had not done what they said they were going to do.  She phoned them immediately, called me back and told me that the Insurance Company would be back to me, the same day, by fax, reporting when our money was coming and how much I would be receiving.  Well, the fax came and I could have fallen over. The amount we were receiving had now gone up by over $4000.00!! We received our cheques within the time the fax stated. 

It gets even better! The lawyer assured me that, because of "de-mutualizing", we would get to keep our shares in the Life Insurance Company. Yes, today we still have our shares and the share value has gone up to the amount we have taken out. 

THANK YOU TO PRE-PAID LEGAL  and  THE GREAT HELP FROM THE PROVIDER LAW FIRM IN VANCOUVER.

Rusty Ward,

Richmond B.C.

#61 - Estate Settlement

I joined PPL when it first came to B.C. in July ’99 and have used the lawyer referral system several times with great success.  The lawyers have got back to me quickly – once in an hour and a half.

 I have used the lawyer referral system to settle both parents’ estates and found sympathy and understanding at an emotional time.

 Marilyn Goodwin

#62 - Small Business Use

I own a travel agency and recently American Airlines sent us a debit memo (basically a charge back), stating that although their agent had authorized a waive of a penalty on a client, who had to change a flight, due to the cancellation of one of AA’s flights because of weather.  When we queried the debit memo, AA stated that their agent didn’t have the authority to waive a penalty.  Despite all of our arguments, AA was adamant and this involved some $450.00 U.S. Dollars.  It was like talking to a post and after exhausting all our arguments; I enlisted the help of our Provider Law Firm.  A lawyer called me back and after I faxed her all the details she wrote a letter to the individual we had been dealing with at American.

 A.A. ignored us all.  I wrote a 4-page letter and accompanied it with all supportive data plus the Lawyers letter and sent copies to several people in American Airlines including the President.  Although I got a letter back from the President’s Assistant, basically telling me that he was above all that mundane detail, a couple of weeks later we received a letter stating that for this time only as a special concession they would waive the penalty. Although the Lawyers letter maybe wasn’t the “Magic Bullet” to accomplish this result, it was a significant part, because this is only the 2^nd time in 20 years that we’ve had a debit memo rescinded. Thank You Prepaid Legal. 

Roland Russell

#63 - Family & Property

The only time I had used a lawyer, before joining Prepaid Legal Services, was for Real Estate dealings, even when I got entangled in a serious issue.  Now anytime I have a question about any issue, I pick up the phone and call our Provider Law Firm.

 The feeling of having a great team of lawyers to back me up is an awesome feeling.  I have talked to a couple of different lawyers on a family issue and a property ownership issue.  They discussed and advised me with different options, talking to me for over an hour.

Gurpreet Nagra

  #64 - Product Delivery Mishap

In December, 1 week before Christmas, I bought my daughter a Pine dresser from a pine furniture store.  Upon delivery Dec. 23^rd, the delivery person from the store bumped and chipped the dresser.

 When I called the shop, they offered me stain to cover the chip.  I told them that was unacceptable since I bought it brand new and insisted on having it replaced – they agreed to do that within 2 weeks.  I called every week and got excuses as to why it wasn’t coming – finally I said that I thought they were hoping it would go away and that if I didn’t have it by Feb. 3^rd I would be consulting with my Legal Provider – guess what – it was delivered the morning of Feb. 3^rd!! I didn’t even have to make the call – just knowing I had the power gave me Peace of Mind.

Steffy Beyer

  #65 - Discrimination At Work

Last November, I had an encounter with one of our Managers in the office.  It was an incident of discrimination at the work place.  Although, I have used the services of the lawyers many times already, the idea of the lawyers did not come to my mind at the moment of the incident.  It was only after a few hours that I realized I have somebody to call – the Lawyers.  I called the Provider Firm and after just 10 minutes the Lawyer called back, and was advising me what I should do and what not to do.  It was a great help and peace of mind for me to be able to get advice right away.

 Having a lawyer, also gives me an advantage with other people.  I’m able to talk with sense and know that I will always be treated fairly in any situation.

 Vilma Omosura

#66 - Verbal Bullying

I was driving towards a busy intersection and when I arrived, I saw than an accident had taken place.  There was an ambulance at the corner and a police car on the other side.  I was already at the center of the street and there was no way for me to turn left or right, I tried to move slowly to get out of the way, but the police approached me and in a loud voice shouted at me and told me that my license will be revoked.  I wasn’t sure what my rights were, so I called the Law Firm and told them the story – the advice they gave me eased my mind and confirmed my rights as an innocent “by stander”.  Also, I have the Prepaid Legal Sticker on both sides of my windshield and I know that the Police Officer noticed them.  

Louie Omosura

#67 - Internet Provider Problem

Rogers Cable is my Internet Provider.  I had a problem with my modem, a device used to convert signals from my computer to the Internet.  I had made an appointment for them to come out and replace my modem.  This appointment was made on a Sunday for a Thursday.  I use the Internet as a means of making contacts.  I took off half a day of work as the appointment was set for 11:00a.m. 

At 10:45 a.m. I called to confirm that they were still coming out and I could alert work that I may need to take the full day off. At that time they stated that no appointment had been made.  Luckily, I took down the person’s name to which the appointment was made.  They got in touch with that personal and confirmed that it was made but could not come out until the next week.

I contacted my Provider firm, and my lawyer had instructed me on how to construct my letter for re-imbursement of lost wages.  About 3 weeks later I received by Cable bill and it had a credit for 3 months FREE service.  Thank you Pre-Paid Legal.

Cameron Carter

#68 - Setting Up My Own Contract

Being in the RV Business, I was asked by a retired friend of a friend to help him sell his Trailer.  We put it in the Buy & Sell, and the local papers without any results.  I eventually found a person who needed a trailer but didn’t have the whole amount of money to pay all at once, and asked if the owner would take payments.  The owner agreed, so I called our PPL Law Firm, and they gave me the advice on how to set up a contract and a payment schedule.  Everything was fine, until the couple decided to break up.  Because of the contract I had set up, with the Lawyers advice, I was able to get the trailer back without any hassle.  Also, the lady involved made 2 extra payments because of way the contract had been written. 

Ken Diachuk

#69 - Overcharge on Home Renovation

Peter Baldwin, a member/associate here in Goderich Ontario received a bill
from an out of town contractor who had done some renovations on   his home.
The bill was $11,000.00 more than they had agreed upon.  The contractor
wouldn't listen to reason and basically said, pay up or the work won't be
finished!  Peter sent the info on to our provider Law Firm of Mills and
Mills in Toronto and within a few days the bill was reduced by $6,000.00
with the balance of $5,000.00 still being discussed.  This one phone call
paid for Peter's membership virtually for the rest of his life!
Another local success story involved a couple who had gone to a car
dealership to upgrade their year old truck.  When the truck was inspected,
the couple was informed that their truck had not been new when they
purchases it but had been rebuilt.  They had paid a new vehicle price!!!
They too forwarded the info to Mills and Mills who, within the week, got
them a brand new truck, free of charge!  Actually, they had the choice of
the free vehicle or its equivalent value.
Truly Awesome!!!

#70 - Challenge With The Airlines

#72 - Seeking Help From The Right Source

My husband and I, both, have worked in the Printing Industry for over 35 years, and have contributed to the same pension plan.  The Employees decided to leave the International Union and therefore the pension plan had to be wound down.  This wind down of our pension fund involved a substantial amount of money and so we called our Provider Law Firm here in Vancouver.  The Lawyer returned our call the following day and we mailed him the documents.  They couldn’t handle this particular case, but did advise us to seek help from an Investment Counselor.

Thanks to the Law Firm, we were able to go to the right source to get the help we needed, and were quite satisfied with the outcome.

Elaine MacCoy

#73 - My Will

After receiving my will kit with my membership, it took me many months to look at it.  Finally I began to fill it in.  I had just remarried and had 2 sons from a previous marriage and a little stepdaughter from my new marriage.  I had many questions regarding dividing up assets between my boys and my stepdaughter.  Also, there were issues about paying child support for my little stepdaughter if my husband predeceased me.  Also, I had problems doing the living will and needed input.  The power of attorney was another that I had many questions about.  I called our Provider Firm many times for answers.  They were always very prompt getting back to me.  Finally, I met with the lawyer in person and we signed the final papers.  I am thrilled that it has been completed and delighted with the fabulous service that I received as a Pre-Paid Legal member.

 Joanne Casperson

#74 - Ring Purchase

I purchased a ring from a “house party” sale.  After 1 year and 1 month – two stones fell out.  I gave it to my salesperson and she sent it back to the company for repair.  Three weeks later, it came back unfixed.  I gave it back to her.  She insisted it would be fixed.  She spoke to head office before she sent it back and was given reassurance that, even though it was just over the 1 year warranty, it would be honoured.  Well, it came back again – with a note saying, “the year was up – sorry”.

I then phoned the head office and spoke to a very rude girl. Got nowhere!  I wrote to head office and let them know that I wanted a new ring immediately or they would be dealing with my lawyers.  One week later I received a package with a new ring.  No note – no apology – just the ring.  I know it was my “referring” to them hearing from my lawyer that resulted in the ring being replaced.

My membership has truly empowered me to assert my rights.  I will never be without this membership.

Barbara Morris

  #75 - Help With Our Vehicle Lease

We leased a Van a few weeks ago and being a PPL legal member we decided to have the law firm review the contract before we signed it.  The lawyer was great.  She spent time on the phone going through in detail each item on the contract – making sure I knew what the fine print meant to me.  I took over two pages of notes and we were able to change the contract in 3 places so we were protected.  This really gave us peace of mind to know we were and are protected. Thanks Watson, Goepel & Maledy!

Carolyn Bester

  #76 - Fender Bender

My daughter had a slow fender bender into the back of a pickup with a huge hitch & U bar that caught her Toyota right at the radiator.  The car was a write off.  When we went to the British Columbia Insurance Corporation, they pushed the papers across and wanted Leila to sign them right then, offering her $1,800.00 for the car.  We said, “We’ll show this to our lawyer first.”  PPL told Leila to get three quotes from the local car dealers.  She did that, and when we went back to the Insurance Corporation, we received $800.00 more!!

Rose Uunila  

#77 - Parking Ticket

Mission, BC

#78 - A Walk In The Park

My Husband and I were walking our dog in the neighborhood one evening when suddenly after rounding the street corner a small, yappy doggy (unleashed) was nipping at our ankles.

Before we realized, our dog’s leash became entangled amongst our legs and before I knew it, I had fallen backwards on the pavement.  While my husband was checking to see if I was all right and calming our dog – the owner of the yappy dog called his pet and scooped it in his arms, ran into the house and turned off the house lights. 

We were so shocked at his uncaring and disregard for us we returned home and wrote a letter stating how upset we were at his lack of concern, and enclosed our Prepaid Legal Business Card. 

Next Day we received a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a thoughtful telephone call and hopefully soon a membership!  Could they have been afraid of the Lawyer? – YOU BET! 

Marilynn Kennedy

#79 - Abusive Husband

Three years ago one of our PPL members became involved with legal aid in an attempt to obtain a divorce from her abusive husband.  After fighting for two years and several trips to court, she still did not have her divorce.  She then hired a lawyer and made more trips to court but still no divorce.

 We then introduced her to “Prepaid Legal”.  She eagerly became a member.  The law firm answered all of her questions and concerns and referred her to a law firm in Kelowna, B.C.  to complete the divorce.  Within a couple of months the case went to court, her divorce was finally completed.  She was elated and to also receive a 25% discount, she can now finally concentrate on raising her 3 young children. 

Vic and Viv Agostinho

#80 - Credit Card Stolen

My credit card was stolen on its way to me (in the mail).  I got a cal from the credit card company (bank) saying they’d recovered the card from someone’s car in Ontario.  Did I know anything about it?  I didn’t because I didn’t even know they were sending me a new one!

 They said thanks and I hung up.  Two days later I received a registered letter from the bank asking me to sign an “affidavit” and return it to them.  It was in “legalize” of course and it looked like they just wanted me to swear that I knew nothing of the theft – but . . . I wasn’t sure.

I called our law firm and read it to the lawyer.  He said it was just a “cover your butt” letter from the bank and to go ahead and sign it!  I did and heard nothing more from them.

Now I probably would have signed it and sent it back before I had a PPL membership and had the same results, but, the difference was that this time I KNEW I had nothing to worry about!

Darry McGaw, British Columbia

#81 - Auto Accident

This is a simple story that had lots of impact for the member.   She was involved in an auto accident and knew that an RCMP agent was going to call her on the Saturday.  On Thursday she purchased a membership – Friday she talked to the lawyers so she was ready and able to have the confidence to talk to the RCMP office.

 The lawyer relieved the fear of talking to the police.

 George Greenwood

#82 - Special Needs Child

I have a daughter with Special Needs that attended a resource program in a public school.  Over a period of time we noticed a big shift in her attitude – to the negative side.  We eventually found out that a teacher assistant was physically and verbally abusing our daughter.  We called the school and met with the principle and teachers.  Nothing was done.  We then called our Law Firm, and were instructed to call the police to investigate.  We did that and an investigation ensued.  The law firm was unbelievably helpful and we were happy with the results.

Leanne Maggio

#83 - Car Broken Into

My most recent success story is around getting my 1993 Geo Metro’s door fixed after it was broken into in my parking lot.  My drivers door was all bent out from the top – about $600.00 worth of damage.  I have my PPL stickers and business cards taped to my car front and rear windows.  When I picked up my car it was so wonderful – the car door was fixed so well, the car painted on the whole side, plus the car was totally cleaned inside – just awesome!  Then, Ted the owner spent time going over everything they did, taking the door apart etc.  He said how he was really doing business to please his customers and doing lots of extras.  Plus they drove me home the first day and picked me up the second day – the service was total and excellent.  I left him a PPL brochure.  I don’t think I would have such good service if the stickers were not on my car.  It’s the Best service I have ever had on my car!! 

Liz Shaw

Scott Currie

#86 - Tenant Relations

I had a tenant who decided he would give me one month written notice to vacate on the 3^rd of the month, so he would be out of his suite by the 3^rd of the next month.  He requested his security deposit refund, which he had never paid.  He stated that his “Uncle the Lawyer” would back his rights, although he “hated to take legal action against me.”  I called our Provider Law Firm . . . and within twenty minutes had a lawyer specializing in Tenant relations give me all the specifics. He gave me a web site to direct my Tenant to, and further, if he has a problem, our Provider Firm will be contacting his “lawyer” directly.

I told him all this – he was out on time with no further talk about his rights or his uncle the lawyer.  My call to PPL diffused the problem before it got out of hand.

Sharon Raymond

#87 - Grandparents Visiting Rights

We contacted the provider firm to get help with grandparent’s visiting rights.  We discussed our concerns with the attorney.  We sent a letter that we had written.  The lawyer reviewed the letter and recommended alterations and additions.  We discussed our options.  Then we presented our concerns to our grandson’s mother.  She was highly impressed by our having a lawyer and being prepared to fight for our rights.  Discussion was initiated as to how we could have a win-win situation.  Circumstances moved so that we were able to see our Grandson twice in our travels at Christmas time. 

Jim Kempster

#88 - International Real Estate

I phoned our provider law firm about a real estate deal in Atlanta, GA, USA (I live in Richmond, B.C.) I faxed the contract.  They researched the GA and BC Real Estate Acts and then advised me on what to do. I received my $2,000.00 fee from the transaction.

Tom Choy

#89 - Income Tax

I contacted our provider law firm for an income tax problem.  They were able to provide me with the information I needed to put my mind at rest and take care of the situation. 

Angie Fisher – Vancouver, B.C.

#90 - Immigration Application

Last year we had to fill out the forms for the Immigration Application of my parents-in-law.  Despite the fact that the forms where fairly easy to fill out, we wanted them to be reviewed to be sure we did not miss anything that would delay the application process.  A lawyer from the provider firm reviewed them and then we sent them in.  It gave us great peace of mind! 

Adrian Neagu  

#91 - Don't Let Your Friends Down !!