monarch legal group complaints

At the completion of the program the consumer would have paid between $500 to $800 in fees. The testimonials reflect individuals experience with our services. For example, after 10 months in a program, only 4% of one consumers payments went to settlements. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Customer service is quick, efficient and professional. endobj >> The majority pay is between $84,341 to $108,233 per year. endobj /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] WebMonarch Legal Group provides a very valuable service for those needing to get out of debt and take their financial situation seriously. endobj endobj /Parent 10 0 R Update 2 On The Make Money With a Side Hustle Project. /Resources 157 0 R /Kids [25 0 R 26 0 R 27 0 R 28 0 R 29 0 R 30 0 R 31 0 R 32 0 R 33 0 R 34 0 R] Standard phone and data charges will apply. By clicking the I AGREE button below, you authorize Monarch Legal Group, LLC to contact you (including using autodialers, automated text and pre-recorded messages) via your telephone, cellphone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) and email, even if your telephone number is currently listed on any state, federal or company's Do Not Call list. /Contents [270 0 R 271 0 R 272 0 R] Answer your financial questions. >> endobj WebWe are personally invested and highly committed to the success of the project at every phase. /ProcSet [/PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI] /Rotate 0 /Annots [] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] >> Monarchs website states that Timothy Burnette is the attorney responsible for the content of this Site.. /S /D If you are able to qualify which should not be too difficult I recommend their services most highly. /Annots [] >> For example, Monarch reserves the right to refuse to provide legal defense services if the client does not have to submit all pages of the subpoena, complaint, evidence, and briefs to Monarch and be filed within 15 or 7 days, depending on the state. /Count 10 endobj The Act prohibits charging any type of fee other than set up or enrollment fee of no more than $50, and a settlement fee in certain circumstances. endobj PAID ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: Monarch Legal Group is a law firm. /Type /Page /Rotate 0 225 ILCS 429/145(2), (3). /Rotate 0 30 0 obj /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [234 0 R 235 0 R 236 0 R] /Parent 10 0 R If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile. The consumer signed a settlement agreement requiring significant monthly payments, which the consumer understood would come from his account with Defendants. /Contents [242 0 R 243 0 R 244 0 R] Read this post and report complete it because I'm going to explaining in details how Monarch legal group has violated my rights and is contributing to a substantial emotional pain and disturbance. We appreciate any help you can give. /Contents [71 0 R 72 0 R 73 0 R 74 0 R 75 0 R 76 0 R 77 0 R 78 0 R 79 0 R 80 0 R] /Type /Page /Rotate 0 Monarch Legal Group is not responsible for the accuracy or correctness of the opinions or comments. /Resources 273 0 R 43 0 obj Burnette is well aware of the harms his company causes through its deceptive and unfair practices. Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, Need to file a complaint? << endobj << To get away with Defendants scam, Monarch structured itself as a law firm in an attempt to evade responsibility under consumer-protection laws and to leave consumers without meaningful redress. 23 0 obj How Do I Get Out of Debt Quickly? Defendants dramatically misstate the consumers estimated savings and program length. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] >> Defendants also know that consumers debts will accrue interest because they instruct consumers to stop making payments on their debts. >> /CropBox [0 0 612 792] I contracted with Monarch Legal on Feb., 2020 because I was unable to pay all of my credit card debts from a serious drop in my /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Also in 2010, the State of Illinois passed the Illinois Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act, 225 ILCS 429/1 et seq. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] >> Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyers credentials and ability and should not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. >> << 36 0 obj endobj In a previous phone call, a representative said Monarch would resolve the lawsuit to avoid garnishment. /Parent 10 0 R Monarch Legal Group is a private law firm and is not affiliated with any governmental agency, quasi-governmental agency, or charitable organization. For example, on the Better Business Bureau website, where Monarch has a 1.15/5-star rating, the company has 39 reviews: 1 5-star review, 1 3-star review, and 37 1-star reviews. RAM charges a monthly fee of $10.75 to administer each account. International Association of Better Business Bureaus. /Annots [] /Length 445 Attorneys use scripts for these calls. Do you agree with Monarchlegalgroup's TrustScore? Monarch Solicitors. Voice your opinion today and hear what 44 customers have already said. Money Personality Quiz and Test. /Type /Page /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [210 0 R 211 0 R 212 0 R] /Type /Page << /Resources 185 0 R On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Monarch Media Group's products or services. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] << Its the exact reason Veritas stopped working with them altogether, many of our participating attorneys will not work with them either. /Parent 12 0 R Already have an account? Based on examples that the City has seen, the payment schedules include at least three omissions or deceptions. The Citys investigation indicates that in reality, Monarch employs only the few attorneys needed to complete rote and scripted check-in calls with clients to suggest that an attorney is involved in the consumers program. As the sole member and manager, Burnette has controlled and continues to control Defendant Monarchs conduct, including its arrangements with Strategic and other third-party vendors that carry out the debt resolution program. /Annots [] /Resources 101 0 R Hi Miss Anne, Hopefully I have the courage to do what you did to get my refund also. The creditor filed a motion to reinstate and for default judgment for failure to pay the settlement payments, and the consumer was left vulnerable to wage garnishment and other negative consequences. Login to participate on the website. /Rotate 0 If you need legal advice, call our expert solicitors or fill in our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met. /Parent 12 0 R /Type /Page << 34 0 obj /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Fees for changing banking information, payment plans, and adding new debts to the program vary from $19.95 to $299. /Contents [174 0 R 175 0 R 176 0 R] 225 ILCS 429/125(a). In fact, Defendants settled the debt for more than the consumer owed when the consumer contracted with them. In practice, the refund policy serves only as an advertising tool used to induce consumers into trusting Monarch even though most consumers will not be eligible to get a refund. endobj Based on public legal filings and on information and belief, Strategic also worked with Legal Helpers Debt Resolution, a Chicago-based consumer debt company that operated nationally as a supposed law firm. >> /Resources 265 0 R In one of those files, Monarch included a call script for a different legal entity, Option 1 Legal. /Contents [150 0 R 151 0 R 152 0 R] /Annots [] Monarch promises in promotional materials and in retainer agreements that it will provide Litigation Defense Services in the event the client receives a Summons and Complaint from a creditor or debt collector for non-payment. /Annots [] /Type /Page Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Skip to main content Better Business Bureau /Count 10 But Defendants repeatedly break this promise and leave consumers to defend themselves in court, even though consumers pay hundreds to thousands of dollars in legal fees. One consumer wrote: I would like at least a refund of 995.00 since I didnt receive legal representation. Defendants refund policy provides no such right to be refunded legal fees. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. >> As discussed in paragraph 36 above, customers pay a Retainer Fee (often around $1,000) and a monthly flat Legal Administration Fee (from $55 to $85). The attorney did not appear in the proceeding and the creditor received a default judgment against the consumer. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] >> In examples the City has seen, Defendants collected the entire Service Cost less than halfway into consumers payment schedules. After several payments, the consumer paid $75 to the creditor and $50 in fees. 44 0 obj Reviews from current and former Strategic employees on the career website Glassdoor express similar concerns about the companys business model: Even when Defendants do engage with creditors, non-attorney employees perform the negotiations. The Citys investigation found no bankruptcy case filings by Monarch. The City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Strategic Financial Solutions, Burnette Legal Group, Timothy Burnette, and Monarch Legal Group on July 26, 2022. We do not guarantee that your debts will be resolved for a specific amount or percentage or within a specific period of time and your results will likely vary. Despite paying a monthly retainer fee for a lawyer, the consumer responded to the summons and defended himself in court. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Resources 233 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode Strategic has engaged in similar arrangements with sham law firms to defraud consumers across the country for years. We signed a contract that they would legally handle all affairs with our creditors. In the examples that the City has seen, and on information and belief in other instances too, Monarch lawyers do not perform debt settlement work. /Parent 9 0 R >> /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Rotate 0 >> /Type /Page /Parent 11 0 R << /Rotate 0 /Parent 9 0 R Complaint Resolution Index (CRI) Explained. /Type /Page endobj Defendants include in the total used to calculate their Service Costs not only the enrolled debt at the time that the consumer signs an agreement but also the additional debts and fees that accrue after the consumer heeds Defendants instruction to stop making payments to creditors. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Second, Monarch`s lawyers do not appear to offer legal advice or representation in bankruptcy matters. Hi Steve My partner and I have just been canceled from monarch for unclear and deceptive reasons. 6 0 obj << I was a victim of Monarch and I filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as a result of trusting them. Second, the policy relieves Defendants from refund obligations for any debts that become[] subject to a lawsuit during representation. Many creditors sue Monarch consumers to recover money owed. /Annots [] This website is an advertisement. /Annots [] /Resources 165 0 R << /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] If consumers withdraw after one year, Defendants collect substantial sums without performing work. 45 0 obj /Resources 153 0 R /Resources 205 0 R Mr. Robert G. Androsiglio, Founding Managing Partner. Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, Need to file a complaint? Attorneys rote notes demonstrate that they did not meaningfully interact with clients. /Contents [250 0 R 251 0 R 252 0 R] Strategic Financial Solutions works with a number of fraudulent debt settlement outfits, including, for example, Carolina Legal Services, a debt settlement law firm that recently closed following an investigation by the North Carolina State Bar and the suspension of the attorney in charge of the law firm. >> >> A reasonable consumer would conclude that Defendants higher fee structure is warranted because the company offers legal expertise. In response to the Citys subpoena, Monarch provided information from a limited number of consumer files. Do you agree with Monarchlegalgroup's TrustScore? /Type /Page Former and current employees have reported that this discrepancy is part of Defendants marketing agenda. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] /Resources << /Contents [166 0 R 167 0 R 168 0 R] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Strategic drives these unfair and deceptive programs but uses its supposed law firm partners as a front to avoid regulation. 29 0 obj Attorneys and/or law firms promoted through this website are also federally designated Debt Relief Agencies. /Contents [230 0 R 231 0 R 232 0 R] How to Get Your Money Back From a Debt Relief Company if You Feel Like Youve Been Scammed, What Repaying Your Debt Will Cost You in Retirement Calculator, The Truth About The Success Rates, Failure Rates, and Completion Rates of Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement, Bankruptcy, and Debt Consolidation Loans. /Resources 213 0 R c. Another consumer wrote: I called and then they told me after I had paid them a little over $300 a month for 7-9 month period that there was nothing in my account just $100 and that the rest went to their fees, fees for providing no service. In its client retainer agreement, Monarch explains that bankruptcy is another option but discourages that option by stating that it will be reflected as a permanent record on a Clients credit report for up to 10 years.. >> /Rotate 0 /Contents [214 0 R 215 0 R 216 0 R] Fax (877) 300-6215. /Type /Page Be the first one to write one. Company resolves 0% of complaints brought to its attention from Business Consumer Alliance. /Rotate 0 /Type /Page Monarch Legal and Strategic Financial Solutions jointly run a fraudulent debt resolution program that preys on Chicagoans struggling with debt. << Voice your opinion today and hear what 44 customers have already said. /Annots [] Everything you need to know about man who became heir to British throne 71 years ago 1. >> Consumers who receive deceptive and inaccurate information from Strategic are unable to report that conduct to any attorney regulatory bodies because the employees are not lawyers. /Parent 9 0 R /Resources 221 0 R /Type /Page >> endobj View complaints, reviews and check out how /Annots [] BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. My wife and I enrolled in a program to negotiate our debts with Monarch Legal Group. Cash Made. Monarch tells prospective consumers that its client services team (which, in reality, consists of Strategic employees located in another state) will assist [customers] in arranging to speak with an attorney to provide legal advice or respond to legal questions. BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. After the entry of judgment, Defendants negotiated a settlement. Outrage by companies that remain silent does not equal action to protect good companies or debt relief help for consumers that need reputable help. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] Monarch claims on its website that through its debt resolution program, it can often negotiate with creditors to settle for pennies on the dollar. Monarch also tells consumers they will be on [their] way to a future free of burdensome debt:. /Type /Page Defendants promise that through negotiating with creditors, consumers will be able to settle their debts for less than the amount owed. << Consumer complaints to the Better Business Bureau show that many consumers do not understand the very limited circumstances in which Monarch will refund fees: a. It also requires debt relief companies to make several disclosures about their services, including how long it will take to get results, how much it will cost, and the negative consequences that could result. /Type /Page /Type /Metadata Suggested companies. They answer my questions promptly and accurately. In total, those settlement fees cannot exceed 15% of the savings the debt settlement provider negotiated for the consumer. Not all clients are able to complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. /Contents [254 0 R 255 0 R 256 0 R] 50 0 obj *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] First, that program is most profitable for Defendants. We have since had to represent ourselves and take the lead on making sure they get the information not the other way around. The Rule applies to attorneys as well as non-lawyers, and prohibits businesses from knowingly providing substantial assistance to a company violating the Rule. endobj BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. I followed the steps that Steve outlined in the blog post he linked below and I was able to get a refund of $14,000 from Monarch. But the Citys investigation indicates that Defendants services are not performed by lawyers, and lawyers do not actually supervise the non-attorneys settling debts. Contact Us Monarch Legal Group. Several days later, user r-fakhouri, likely Ricky Fakhouri, an outside attorney who has contracted with Monarch on a case-by-case basis, approved the plan. << >> We have since paid a large sum of money in this program as well as handled three of our largest debts on our own because we were not represented in these accounts. 24 0 obj endobj These requirements include, for example: a. Defendants also repeatedly fail to provide litigation defense services to consumers when creditors sue them. << /Parent 10 0 R Strategic created a wholly-owned subsidiary called Carolina Client Services, LLC to carry out the solo practitioners debt settlement program. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] endobj << >> After accounting for Defendants various fees, consumers end up paying only a small amount into their reserves for settlement of their debts. BBB is here to help. 20 0 obj /Resources 193 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] I was reassured that in 24 moths I would be able to get out of debt and conserve if not improve my credit score. /Annots [] By an Act of Congress and the President of the United States, Monarch Legal Group, is a federally designated Debt Relief Agency. Note we do not assume your debts, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. /Resources 217 0 R The presentation for prospective consumers is also substantially the same: On information and belief, Strategic has a similar agreement with and also operates through Option 1 Legal. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] When Defendants do negotiate a settlement payment plan, those payments typically last for many months, and for each payment Defendants charge the consumer an extra $10 (Settlement Payment Fees). Furthermore, consumers do not even know that they are talking to Strategic employees. An attorney responsible for the content of this Site is Timothy Burnette licensed in Illinois with offices at 211 W. Wacker Dr. #321, Chicago, IL 60606. >> Briggs v. Strategic Financial Solutions, LLC et al. While Strategic and its subsidiaries process consumers substantial payments, provide ineffective customer service, and may negotiate with creditors, Monarch convinces consumers that a law firm is providing the debt resolution services. We are scared and desperate at this point, See if this sounds like a reasonable and logical approach. Making a full refund, as the consumer requested, Refuse to adjust, relying on terms of agreement. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. Strategic Financial Solutions also operates and/or works jointly with Timberline Financial, LLC, which lists the same office addresses as Strategic Financial Solutions on its website. 2013035572001), at 4, available at https://www.finra.org/rules- guidance/oversight-enforcement/finra-disciplinary-actions?search=2013035572001.]. More egregiously, Monarch mischaracterizes the refund policy and uses it to induce consumers into joining the debt resolution program when they otherwise would decline to do so. /Type /Page 55 0 obj /Type /Page >> /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] It is this unique and continuous involvement that separates Monarch from the competition and drives superior returns for our investors and employee owners. Employee and customer online reviews suggest that Strategic works with as many as ten law firms:. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews. endobj Although one section of Monarchs nearly 40-page agreement states that third parties may perform some work related to the program, it later explains that Monarch has a non-exclusive reciprocal referral agreement with independent contractors to provide what it calls non-legal services related to the implementation, management, and maintenance of Clients debt negotiation plan. Monarchs agreement and other promotional materials misrepresent the truth: non-lawyers at Strategic do not merely provide some administrative services, they carry out Monarchs debt resolution service. >> enquiries@monarchsolicitors.com. Can you help me please? 8 0 obj The Cohn Law 40 0 obj >> 48457-523 (Aug. 10, 2010). >> business practices. << https://getoutofdebt.org//20126/how-to-try-to-get-refund-from-debt-relief-company. endobj << >> << /Parent 4 0 R WebMonarch Grand Vacations average salary Updated on March 28, 2023 $95,818 View Hourly Rate Per Year Individually reported data submitted by users of our website 25% $84,341 75% $108,233 $95,818 50% (Median) Highest Paying Job At Monarch Grand Vacations Document Manager - $116,392 See Other Titles Most Popular Job At Monarch Grand - 1:22-cv-03705) >> 41 0 obj /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] 61 0 obj If we can verify it in our system, an email will be sent to you with your password. endobj 18 0 obj WebMonarch Legal Group is a private law firm and is not affiliated with any governmental agency, quasi-governmental agency, or charitable organization. In the scripted presentations that third-party notaries and paralegals make to prospective clients, the representatives state that [t]he law firm is prepared to do what is necessary to represent you, and, if appropriate, defend you against creditor or collector lawsuits. The script also instructs representatives to state that legal fees for your defense are covered by your retainer payments.. << /Rotate 0 endobj I accept the offer and signed a contract on June of 2020 with Monarch legal group. 27 0 obj /Rotate 0 endstream /Rotate 0 Read More Business Details and See Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus. /Parent 10 0 R Disclosures Required Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Typically, debt firms instruct consumers to stop paying unsecured creditors and begin saving money to settle those accounts. /Type /Page Categories Blog For businesses. >> /Count 10 But Defendants settled the account for more than the consumer could possibly pay. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. Monarch Legal Group is a law firm. Given those significant fees, the consumers potential savings on the amount owed was far less than Monarch advertised and explained. /Resources 85 0 R I paid them $8100 in fees to settle debts and they failed to adequately represent me with legal counsel. >> But because Defendants provide inaccurate estimates and fail to consider consumers financial situations, Defendants know that their representations are inaccurate and impossible for many consumers.

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