Benefits Handbook

This service covers the preparation of an agreement by an employee and his or her fiancé/partner prior to their marriage or legal union (where allowed by law), outlining how property is to be divided in the event of separation, divorce or death of a spouse. Representation is provided only to the employee. The fiancé/partner must have separate counsel or must waive representation.

This service covers you for all necessary pleadings and court hearings for a legal name change.

This service covers all legal services and court work in a state or federal court for an adoption for the plan member and spouse/domestic partner. Legitimization of a child for the plan member and spouse/domestic partner, including reformation of a birth certificate, is also covered.

This service covers establishing a guardianship or conservatorship over a person and his or her estate when you are appointed guardian or conservator. It includes obtaining a guardianship or conservatorship, gathering any necessary medical evidence, preparing the paperwork and attending the hearing. This service does not include representation of the person over whom guardianship or conservatorship is sought, or any annual accountings once guardianship or conservatorship has been established. There are two common examples for guardianship. One is for a disabled relative who cannot handle his or her affairs; and the other is for a minor child who has property or is in the care and custody of a person who is not the child's parent.

This service covers the Participating Employee and/or spouse for the first twenty hours of legal services and court work related to reproductive assistance matters. Reproductive assistance matters may include, but shall not be limited to, as permitted by law, surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, gamete donation, embryo donation and embryo adoption. This service includes reviewing and preparing any necessary agreements or documents, the preparation and filing of any pleadings or other documentation to obtain any necessary orders or decrees, and representation at any hearing or other proceeding related to the matter as may be required by law. This service does not include representation of any party other than the Participating Employee and/or spouse, even if the Participating Employee and/or spouse may be required to pay that party's legal fees or expenses. It is the Participating Employee and/or spouse's responsibility to pay fees beyond the first twenty hours.

This benefit is available to the employee only, not to a spouse or other eligible family members. This service includes preparing and filing all necessary pleadings, motions and affidavits, and drafting settlement agreements as well as representation at the hearing or trial, regardless whether the employee is a plaintiff or a defendant. This benefit does not include disputes that arise after the issuance of a divorce decree or over such issues as visitation or custody.