Almost without exception, all individuals will experience legal problems during the course of their lives. Legal assistance cover provides face to face and telephonic legal advice and representation for personal legal matters.

Cover for legal assistance differs from one service provider to another. The amount of cover is determined by your premium and the terms and conditions associated with that premium..

The basic benefit is dependent on the plan you choose, which would either have enhanced benefits added to some of the plans.  But the basic benefit, from commencement date, entitles the member to free legal and sometimes labour advice for the full term of membership on any private or personal legal and sometimes labour matters, irrespective whether the cause of action arose before or after joining the service provider.

Legal assistance covers all kinds of personal legal matters namely: Civil matters, Criminal matters, and Labour related matters.

Civil law is the branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organisations in which compensation may be awarded to the successful party. Some matters can include contractual disputes, divorces, child maintenance, estate distribution, injury cases, blacklisting, and credit bureau matters.

 Criminal law, the body of law that defines criminal offenses, regulates the apprehension, charging, and trial of suspected persons

Cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS). This will increase the chances of being released on Police Bail, and not spending up to 48 hours (as allowed by the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977) in the Police cells before appearing in Court.  Do not admit guilt. Anything you say will be used against you at the Trial proceedings. You must however furnish the police with your personal details and physical address. Listen to the charges and rights explained to you whilst being booked into the cells.  Obtain the details of the Investigating Officer or a person authorized to grant police bail. Contact an attorney so that an attempt can be made to arrange police bail; alternatively arrange for you to appear before Court the same day that you are arrested, or if arrested after-hours, on the next Court day.

A labour related matter includes employment related matters, labour laws, employment contracts, labour disputes, unfair dismissal, retrenchment, CCMA conciliation and arbitration, and strike action.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a dispute resolution body established in terms of the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (LRA). It is an independent body, does not belong to and is not controlled by any political party, trade union or business.

Make sure you pay your premium, when you need a lawyer or legal advice you will need to contact us as soon as possible to get us on your back.