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Q:
Should a Church Sponsor Consumer Products or Services?
Dear Attorney:
A company has asked me to introduce their legal services plan to
my congregation. Many of my members either cannot afford a
lawyer or do not know a trustworthy lawyer in our town. The plan
would give members several hours of legal advice as well as
drafting simple legal documents for a stated price. Do you see
any pit falls in allowing this company to speak to our members
about an affordable legal services plan?
North Bay Pastor
Attorney Answer
Dear North Bay Pastor:
There is an old adage, “You get what you pay for.” More to the
point, are you qualified to assess the legal needs of your
members? Do you know whether the plan is adequate to meet these
needs, including wealthier members? Have you investigated the
reputation and financial soundness of the company offering this
plan? Do you know the qualifications and experience of the
attorneys who will be giving legal advice to members. By way of
example as to how the recommendation could go awry, what if you
recommend this plan to a member who then has a simple will
drawn-up under the plan, rather than a complete estate plan, and
as a result the member’s children (who are also members of the
church) lose half of their inheritance to estate taxes? For
these reasons, we recommend the church exercise due diligence in
making church sponsored recommendations regarding secular
consumer products and services. |
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The above is a hypothetical case involving fictional clergy
members. Any similarity to a specific person is purely a
coincidence. If you have a hypothetical question that you
wish to have anonymously published or if you wish to comment
on this hypothetical, please
contact us. The comments herein are not intended as a
substitute for legal advice about a specific situation. Any
clergy who is faced with a legal
issue is urged to consult legal counsel familiar with their
case to protect both themselves and their church. |
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