"If only I had ARAG coverage from the beginning of my ordeal," I remember telling my best friend, Jessica. "But you could not have appreciated your new ARAG attorney nearly as much as you do now," she reminded me. I often think life is about accruing gratitude, and wow have ARAG and my ARAG attorney raised my gratitude bar!

In the spring of 2007 I requested a separation from my husband, but never sought legal advice or counsel. In early May, I allowed him to take our two young sons on what was supposed to be a nine week visit with his family in Europe. A week before their intended return, he informed me by e-mail that they would not return and he had begun legal proceedings to keep our sons permanently in his country. I received the email at work. I burst into tears. I was completely unprepared both to live without my sons and to fight an international legal battle for their rightful return. When I had begun work for my alma mater I did not imagine ever needing legal insurance so had not opted in. Big life lesson: Everyone needs legal insurance!

Thus with the first firm I hired, I paid out of pocket - and paid and paid, month after harrowing month. Sadly, I ended up needing to edit the firm’s work, correcting factual and even grammatical errors. Even more troubling, they did not inform me of the basics of California divorce law, which was purportedly their area of expertise! In November, I went to Europe for the hearing for my son’s return and with the help of a local attorney (yes, I was paying two attorneys simultaneously) prevailed with a decree for their immediate return to California. But the boys’ father had time to flee with them yet again! I returned to California utterly heartbroken and exhausted, without my sons. The only silver lining in this black cloud was the opportunity to sign up for ARAG during my employer’s open enrollment period.

In late December, I received a call from my European counsel saying the boys had been located. We returned just in time to celebrate Christmas together. The boys began school in California in January 2008, and the California courts took up the custody case. At last, in May, I was in a position to dismiss the first firm and make use of my ARAG policy. I was only unrepresented for a week before getting in touch with ARAG to explore my options. Every person I spoke with was extremely friendly and helpful. Two days after I had an initial consultation with ARAG attorney I hired him and he represented me in a custody hearing.

At once I felt at ease with my attorney and could tell he was a person of integrity. In my experience, ARAG attorneys are service and client-centered; they have joined ARAG because they believe all people have the right to reasonably-priced legal help. In the four months my attorney has represented me, we have accomplished far more than with all of the other attorneys combined, all with good humor and transparent communication. My attorney immediately put the necessary protections in place to ensure my sons will not be re-abducted. I now have a working custody agreement, receive child support, and no longer fear my sons will be taken or hidden again. My attorney works quickly and efficiently and I have only been charged the most minimal fees for the minor areas not covered by my ARAG policy.

Happy 35th anniversary ARAG! I am so grateful for the assistance you have given me and my family. I am a better mother and employee now that I have quality, affordable legal representation!"

Karyn Krause
Albany, CA