Personal Legal Services Plan
Did you know......one out of every two Americans will need legal advice during the next twelve months? Half of these people will attempt to deal with the matter on their own because they either do not know how to retain an attorney or are
afraid of the costs associated with doing so.
CSEA created its Personal Legal Services Plan to provide members and their families with the knowledge and affordability to protect your legal rights in personal matters. Enrollment is voluntary. There are two ways you and your family can
participate:
For more information:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Members who belong to the State, Local Government, Education, Private Sector or Retiree Locals in the following geographic areas:
- Albany County
- Broome County
- Cayuga County
- Chautauqua County
- Chemung County
- Chenango County
- Clinton County
- Columbia County
- Cortland County
- Dutchess County
- Erie County
- Essex County
- Franklin County
- Genesee County
- Greene County
- Lewis County
- Livingston County
- Jefferson County
- Madison County
- Metropolitan NYC: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island
- Monroe County
- Nassau County
- Niagara County
- Oneida County
- Onondaga County
- Ontario County
- Orange County
- Orleans County
- Oswego County
- Rensselaer County
- Rockland County
- Saratoga County
- Schenectady County
- Schuyler County
- Seneca County
- St. Lawrence County
- Steuben County
- Suffolk County
- Sullivan County
- Tompkins County
- Ulster County
- Wayne County
- Westchester County
- Wyoming County
- Yates County
If you live or work in these areas, you may join LSP. Additionally, your eligible dependents may use any of the legal services at no additional cost. ("Eligible Dependent" is defined as [1] your spouse, if not legally separated;
[2] your child under 18 years of age; [3] a widow/widower of an eligible member.) And, you will know ahead of time the rates charged by your plan attorney for a given service. Many other plans do not allow participation by family members.
Nor will they give you pre-published rates for various types of legal services.
HOW DOES THE LSP WORK?
To become a member of the CSEA LSP, you choose from four plan options. The enrollment fee automatically entitles you to the number of services indicated. You choose which particular services from the list below:
- CSEA CHARTER: $100...any 2 of the legal services offered below
- CSEA SUPERIOR: $175...any 3 of the legal services offered below
- CSEA EXTRA: $200...any 4 of the legal services offered below
- CSEA ADVANTAGE: $260...all 5 of the legal services offered below
Plan members, including eligible dependents, have a full year from date of enrollment to use the free legal services provided under the Plan options.
***If you do not need any of the below listed services, but wish to contact a Plan Attorney for another legal matter, click here ***
LEGAL SERVICES OFFERED:
Please contact CSEA Headquarters at 1-800-342-4146, extension 1454, or email the Legal Department for coverage details:
- One simple Will (or amendment to existing will)
- One Power of Attorney
- One Health Care Proxy
- One Legal Document Review
- One Legal Consultation (60 minutes)
In addition to any option you choose, you become entitled to additional personal legal services at reduced rates according to a Fixed Fee Schedule. See Fixed Fee Schedule
IS IT WORTH JOINING?
Without the benefit of the LSP, these services would cost you hundreds of dollars. Even if you use just
one of the above legal services, the cost of the enrollment pays for itself! When you compare the CSEA LSP with other plans, you will find that the CSEA approach will save you money especially when you need a will, power of attorney,
health care proxy, or a consultation with an attorney. These are examples of legal services included in your membership fee.
WHAT IF I NEED LEGAL SERVICES OTHER THAN THOSE INCLUDED IN MY MEMBERSHIP?
CSEA has negotiated a Fixed Fee Schedule for its members. The Fixed Fee Schedule not only provides you with a full range of legal services at reduced rates, but it also provides you with prior information as to the cost for each service.
Prepublished rates is a benefit that sets the CSEA LSP apart from other plans. Some of the services that can be provided to you and your family at reduced rates include:
- Traffic Tickets
- Buying/Selling a Home
- Property Disputes
- Matrimonial/Divorces
- Estates
- Family Law
- Bankruptcy
- Criminal Matters
- Tenant Rights
WHO ARE THE ATTORNEYS?
Legal services are provided using some attorneys in the CSEA Regional Attorney Network as well as other CSEA-selected attorneys. These attorneys are well known for their expertise and taken together, have provided untolled years of quality
service to CSEA. CSEA closely monitors and evaluates the performance of its Program attorneys to ensure that our members receive quality legal services. All communications between you and your attorney are 100 percent
CONFIDENTIAL.
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Attorney
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Geographic Coverage
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Louis Stober
Phone: (516) 742-6546
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Nassau County
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Paul Levitt
Phone: (631) 777-1700
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Suffolk County
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Marvin Anderman
Phone: (212) 267-1650
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NYC, Metropolitan Area
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James Rose
Phone: (914) 948-8100
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Westchester County
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William Burke
Phone: (845) 452-6400
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Ulster, Dutchess, Orange Counties
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Richard Parker
Phone: (845) 343-0623
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Rockland, Sullivan Counties
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John Criscione
Phone: (518) 449-3107
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Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady Counties
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Joseph Cardany
Phone: (518) 561-1980
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Clinton, Essex, Franklin Counties
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Robert Bogdan
Phone: (315) 646-2877
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Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence Counties
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Sam Monachino
Phone: (607) 584-5704
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Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Tompkins Counties
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Ed Dunn
Phone: (315) 474-4648
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Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego Counties
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Charles DeAngelo
Phone: (716) 484-7196
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Chautauqua County
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Ronald Jaros
Phone: (716) 677-6666
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Erie, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee Counties
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Alan Reed
Phone: (585) 396-1750
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Livingston, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Yates Counties
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FIXED FEE SCHEDULE
* As of April 2004 *
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the legal services listed below contain a range of fees, since fees vary across the state. Each contract between the LSP and a LSP Attorney has an individual fee schedule containing specific fees to be
charged based on that Plan Attorney's geographic coverage.
I. WILLS, TRUSTS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY
Wills:
A. Individual, simple: $75.00-$100.00
B. Individual with trust: $125.00
C. Reciprocal, simple: $135.00-$150.00
D. Reciprocal with trust: $225.00
E. Other: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
Health Care Proxy and Living Will:
A. Individual: $50.00
B. Reciprocal, simple: $75.00
Power of Attorney:
A. Individual: $75.00
B. Reciprocal: $125.00
II. UNCONTESTED ESTATE ADMINISTRATION AND WILL PROBATE
A. Basic charge: 4% of estate property plus costs OR $125.00 per hr. plus costs (Minimum fee: $2,500.00)
B. Additional fees (may be waived if part of estate as above)
1. Letters of guardianship: $400.00
2. Prepare and file NY estate tax return and/or obtain lien waiver or release of lien: $500.00
3. Prepare and file federal estate tax return: $1,000.00
4. Transfer title to real property (deed transfer): $275.00
5. Document preparation: $150.00
III. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Sales and Purchases (Residential):
A. Basic charge: 2/3% of purchase price (Minimum fee: $265.00-$500.00)
B. Additional fees (if applicable)
1. New construction: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
2. Closing does not occur ("breakup" fee): $250.00
3. Litigation arising out of sale or foreclosure: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
4. Document preparation: $150.00
Mortgage Refinancing:
A. Basic charge: 2/3% of mortgage amount (includes attendance at closing) (Minimum fee: $215.00-$450.00)
B. Additional fees
1. Change of ownership (deed transfer), if required: $200.00
2. Closing does not occur ("breakup" fee): $250.00
3. Document preparation: $150.00
Deed Transfers of Ownership:
A. Basic charge: $250.00-$300.00
B. Additional fees - Document preparation $150.00
Commercial or Mixed Use Real Estate:
NOTE: Fee to be agreed upon by attorney and client prior to transaction.
IV. LANDLORD & TENANT
Representation of Tenant:
A. Non-payment of rent or holdover residential summary proceeding:
1. First court appearance: $300.00-$450.00
2. Additional court appearance: $300.00-$500.00
B. Prepare and issue a 3-day or 30-day notice of tenancy termination: $50.00-$100.00
Representation of Landlord (Residential):
A. Notice of petition and petition to commence action in court: $250.00
B. First court appearance: $300.00-$450.00
C. Each subsequent court appearance: $300.00-$350.00
D. Prepare and issue a 3-day notice to tenant: $50.00-$100.00
E. Prepare and issue a 30-day notice of tenancy termination: $50.00-$100.00
F. Adjournments requested by client after completion of above petition: $175.00-$250.00
V. CRIMINAL MATTERS
Vehicle and Traffic:
A. Court appearance: $200.00-$250.00
B. Additional appearances: $200.00-$250.00
C. Trial: $450.00-$600.00 per day
Violations:
A. Court appearance: $200.00-$250.00
B. Additional appearances: $200.00-$250.00
C. Trial: $450.00-$600.00 per day
Misdemeanors (Except DWI):
A. Court appearance (maximum of three court appearances): $400.00-$800.00
B. Additional appearances: $200.00-$250.00
C. Trial: $500.00-$1,000.00 per day
DWI:
A. Resolved before trial (includes all necessary court appearances): $665.00-$1,335.00
B. Additional appearances:
1. DWI refusal hearing: $400.00-$500.00
2. Trial: $95.00-$125.00 per hour
Felonies (up to "C" felony):
NOTE: Representation in felony cases is not provided automatically under the Plan. Fees and services are subject to agreement between the Plan Member and the Plan Attorney.
Bail Hearings:
A. Before 6:00 p.m.: $250.00-$400.00
B. After 6:00 p.m.: $500.00-$750.00
C. Weekends: $500.00-$750.00
Minors:
A. If a minor is charged as a juvenile offender in Family Court, refer to Section VIII Family Court for appropriate fees.
VI. ADOPTIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
Adoptions:
A. Simple (uncontested) with one court hearing: $580.00-$1,250.00
B. Additional court hearing: $250.00
C. Contested: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
Name Change:
A. Uncontested: $400.00-$1,000.00
B. Contested: $95.00.00-$125.00 per hr.
C. Additional fees -- Document preparation: $150.00
Guardianship:
A. Uncontested: $1,250.00-$1,500.00
B. Contested: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
C. Additional fees -- Document preparation: $150.00
VII. FAMILY COURT MATTERS
* Neglect or Abuse * Family Offense
* PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) * Child Support
* JD (Juvenile Delinquents) * Custody or Visitation
* Violation of Order of Protection
A. Minimum fee: $335.00-$1,335.00 (includes first court appearance)
B. Additional court appearance: $325.00
C. Trials:
1. Basic charge: $750.00 per day
2. Out of court trial preparation billed separately: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
D. Motion Practice: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
VIII. MATRIMONIAL MATTERS
Separation/Prenuptial Agreements:
A. Basic charge: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
Uncontested Divorce, Separations and Annulments:
NOTE: An uncontested divorce is one in which a court appearance generally is not required and the parties have agreed upon all of the issues including, but not limited to: child support, custody, and
visitation; equitable distribution of marital property; and the defendant spouse does not oppose the client's divorce action nor retains an attorney.
A. Uncontested retainer (includes initial court appearance); $665.00-$1,665.00
B. Additional appearances: $250.00 each
C. Preparation of stipulation (if applicable): $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
Contested Divorces, Separations and Annulments:
Representation in contested matrimonial cases is not provided automatically under the Plan. Fees and services are subject to agreement between the member and the attorney.
IX. PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY
Voluntary Chapter 7:
A. Single petition: $750.00
B. Joint petition: $900.00
Voluntary Chapter 13:
A. Single petition: $1,500.00
B. Joint petition: $1,600.00
Adjournments:
A. Court appearance: $175.00
X. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (Document Review, Lawyer Letter, etc.)
A. Basic charge: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
XI. GENERAL CONSULTATION (Office or Telephonic)
A. Basic charge: $95.00-$125.00 per hr.
* * * DISBURSEMENTS AND OFFICE EXPENSES: Fees set forth under this schedule do not include disbursements such as filing fees or recording fees, or other special costs and expenses including transcripts, expert witnesses, special
mailings or copy costs, and long distance telephone calls.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To join, simply fill out the application.
"PDF"
For an application by mail and for more information, please contact CSEA Headquarters, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1-800-342-4146, extension 1454. You may also email the Legal Department.
Phone (518)-879-6802