Is MetLife Legal Plan Worth It? The Hidden Costs Most People Miss Before Signing Up
MetLife Legal Plans cost around $200 annually and provide access to 18,000 network attorneys for covered services like wills, real estate closings, and traffic tickets with no deductibles or copays. Whether it’s worth it depends on your specific legal needs and location—but most people miss critical coverage gaps before enrolling.
Over 5 million Americans use MetLife Legal Plans through employer benefits, making it the country’s largest legal insurance provider.
Why This Matters to You
Understanding MetLife legal plans could save you hundreds or thousands in legal fees this year. If you’re planning major life events like buying a home, creating a will, handling divorce proceedings, or dealing with traffic violations, this plan offers significant value.
This affects you if you’ve been putting off estate planning due to attorney costs (average $391/hour), you’re navigating a legal issue alone because lawyers are expensive, or your employer offers legal insurance during open enrollment and you’re unsure whether to enroll.
Bottom line: One estate planning session with an attorney typically costs more than the entire annual plan premium.
What You Came to Know
How MetLife Legal Plans Work
You enroll during your employer’s open enrollment period or as a new benefit. Monthly premiums run $14-$22 depending on coverage level (Basic or Enhanced), deducted automatically from your paycheck.
Once enrolled, you access the MetLife attorney network through their website or phone. You select an attorney by location, specialty, language, gender, or cultural background. There are no waiting periods, deductibles, copays, or claim forms when using network attorneys for covered matters.
For covered services, attorney fees are paid entirely by the plan regardless of how long cases take. Unlimited consultations on personal legal matters are included—even for issues not fully covered.
What’s Covered Under MetLife Legal Plans
Estate planning services include will preparation, trust creation (revocable and irrevocable), powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations. These are the most popular services, used by 70% of enrollees.
Real estate matters cover home purchases, sales, refinancing, title disputes, and landlord-tenant issues (when you’re the tenant). Family law includes divorce, separation, custody, adoption, name changes, and prenuptial agreements.
Consumer protection matters include debt collection defense, personal bankruptcy, identity theft assistance, and contract reviews. Traffic violations, license suspension hearings, and civil litigation defense are also covered.
The Enhanced Plan provides up to 15 hours of attorney time annually across all covered matters. The Basic Plan provides 4 hours annually. Both include unlimited 30-minute consultations.
What’s NOT Covered (The Hidden Gotchas)
Employment-related matters are excluded—including disputes with your employer, company benefits issues, or wrongful termination. This catches many people off guard since workplace legal problems are common.
Business matters aren’t covered, including rental property issues when you’re the landlord, patent or trademark filings, or small business formation. Appeals and class actions are excluded.
Cases where MetLife or your employer is the adverse party are prohibited. Any matter with existing attorney-client relationships before enrollment won’t be covered. Fines, court costs, and filing fees are your responsibility—the plan only covers attorney time.
According to BBB reviews, attorney availability varies significantly by location. Rural areas often have limited network options, and some attorneys listed don’t actually offer advertised specialties.
MetLife Legal Plans Cost Breakdown
Federal employee Enhanced Plans run approximately $22/month ($264/year). Basic Plans cost around $14/month ($168/year). These rates apply through FEDVIP enrollment for federal workers, military members, and retirees.
Private employer rates vary but typically range $200-$300 annually depending on plan level and employer subsidies. Compare this to average attorney rates: estate planning ($1,500-$3,500), divorce ($15,000+), home closings ($800-$2,000), or traffic ticket defense ($500-$1,500).
If you need just one major service annually—like creating a will or closing on a house—the plan pays for itself immediately.
Is It Worth It? Real User Experiences
Bogleheads forum users report overwhelmingly positive experiences for estate planning. Users created wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives for one year’s premium—work that would cost $2,000-$5,000 independently.
However, BBB complaints reveal consistent issues: network attorneys don’t answer calls or decline services they’re supposedly certified for, out-of-network reimbursement takes 3-8 months with repeated documentation requests, and rural areas have extremely limited attorney selection.
The plan works best for routine, predictable legal needs. It struggles with complex cases, niche specialties, or when you need a specific attorney not in the network. Similar to What Kind Of Lawyer Do I Need For A Will And Trust?, choosing the right legal resource depends on your specific situation.
What You Must Know
The Network Attorney Quality Problem
Most sites won’t tell you this, but: Not all network attorneys are equal quality. MetLife doesn’t guarantee expertise levels—just network membership. Some attorneys take MetLife cases primarily for volume, not because it’s their specialty.
Before selecting a network attorney, check their state bar profile, Google reviews, and years of practice. The plan lets you filter attorneys, but verification is your responsibility.
When Out-of-Network Makes Sense
You can use non-network attorneys and request reimbursement, but expect delays. Enhanced Plans reimburse up to $500 per matter; Basic Plans reimburse less. The reimbursement process requires extensive documentation and typically takes 2-6 months based on user reports.
Use out-of-network when you need a highly specialized attorney, when network options are limited in your area, or when an attorney you already trust isn’t in the network.
2025-2026 Updates and Changes
MetLife expanded digital estate planning tools in 2025, allowing members to complete basic wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives entirely online without attorney appointments. This works well for simple estates under $12 million.
The 24/7 “Ask Lexi” chatbot provides instant access to 1,700 legal document templates and initial legal guidance. The “Ask An Attorney” email feature lets you submit questions before scheduling consultations—useful for quick answers without full appointments.
What to Do Next
How to Enroll in MetLife Legal Plans
Check if your employer offers MetLife Legal Plans during open enrollment (typically October-November). Federal employees can enroll through FEDVIP at any time with qualifying life events or during annual Federal Benefits Open Season.
Visit MetLife’s website to review coverage details, attorney networks in your area, and monthly premium costs. Compare Enhanced versus Basic Plans based on anticipated legal needs. For comprehensive planning needs like those discussed in Elder Law And Estate Planning What Sets Them Apart?, the Enhanced Plan provides better value.
Maximize Your Plan Value
Enroll when you know you’ll need legal services within 12 months—don’t pay for coverage you won’t use. Schedule estate planning immediately after enrollment to maximize the annual benefit.
Use unlimited consultations strategically—get legal opinions on contracts, lease agreements, or business proposals before signing. The consultation benefit alone can save hundreds annually.
Alternative Options If MetLife Isn’t Right
If your employer doesn’t offer legal plans, consider LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer for DIY documents ($39-$99/month). For complex matters requiring specialized expertise, hire independent attorneys and negotiate flat fees rather than hourly billing.
State bar associations often provide lawyer referral services with reduced initial consultation rates ($50-$100). Check your state bar website for certified attorney directories.
💡 Pro Tip
Enroll in MetLife during your employer’s open enrollment if you’re planning ANY major legal work in the next year—estate planning, home purchase, divorce, or adoption. Complete your legal work, then you can drop coverage next year if you don’t anticipate ongoing needs. One year’s premium ($200-$264) typically costs less than a single attorney consultation for most matters.
FAQs
What Does MetLife Legal Plan Cover?
Estate planning (wills, trusts, POAs), real estate transactions, family law (divorce, adoption, custody), consumer protection (debt defense, bankruptcy), traffic violations, civil litigation defense, and unlimited legal consultations. Employment disputes, business matters, and cases against MetLife or your employer are excluded.
How Much Does MetLife Legal Plan Cost?
Enhanced Plans cost approximately $22/month ($264/year). Basic Plans run about $14/month ($168/year). Rates vary by employer and location but typically range $168-$300 annually—significantly less than average attorney hourly rates of $391.
Can I Use Any Attorney With MetLife Legal Plans?
You must use network attorneys for covered services to avoid out-of-pocket costs. The network includes 18,000+ attorneys nationwide. You can use non-network attorneys and request partial reimbursement ($500 max for Enhanced, less for Basic), but processing takes months.
Is MetLife Legal Plan Worth It For Estate Planning?
Absolutely. Creating a will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare directive through MetLife costs one year’s premium ($200-$264). The same services independently cost $1,500-$3,500. If you need estate planning, MetLife provides exceptional value. Learn more about estate planning options in Probate Lawyer Vs. Estate Lawyer, What’s The Difference?
What Are The Disadvantages of MetLife Legal Plans?
Limited network attorneys in rural areas, employment matters excluded, business issues not covered, attorney quality varies, out-of-network reimbursement takes months, and you pay even if you don’t use services. BBB reviews show response delays and availability issues in some regions.
How Do I Find a Network Attorney?
Log into your MetLife account at legalplans.com, search attorneys by location and specialty, filter by language/gender/expertise, read reviews, and contact your selected attorney directly with your Eligibility ID. Schedule consultations by phone, in-person, or email.
Can I Cancel MetLife Legal Plan Anytime?
You can only enroll or cancel during your employer’s annual open enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying life event (marriage, birth, adoption, divorce). Once enrolled, you’re committed for the plan year. Federal employees have more flexible enrollment windows through FEDVIP.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about MetLife legal plans for informational purposes only. Plan coverage, costs, and attorney networks vary by employer and location. AllAboutLawyer.com doesn’t provide legal services or represent MetLife. Consult MetLife directly at metlife.com or legalplans.com for current plan details and enrollment information.
Understanding legal insurance options helps you make informed decisions about protecting yourself and your family. Whether MetLife Legal Plans fit your needs depends on your specific legal situation and location.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Last Updated: February 9, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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