get quotes and more. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Webmonarch legal group complaints. /Resources 133 0 R /Resources 277 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Length 445 monarch BBB is here to help. << >> But when a consumer stops making payments to creditors, he or she is likely to face adverse effects, including (1) a sharp decrease in their credit score; (2) calls from collections agencies; (3) a rise in debt due to late fees and additional interest; and (4) lawsuits by creditors, who often seek to garnish wages and enforce judgments by other means. >> 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. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] 34 0 obj /Type /Page /Type /Page /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] 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. /Count 10 Briggs v. Strategic Financial Solutions, LLC et al. endobj Defendants ultimately settled this debt for $1,096, over 60% of the amount owed at the time the debt was settled. I was a victim of Monarch and I filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as a result of trusting them. First, that program is most profitable for Defendants. /Resources 121 0 R Everything you need to know about man who became heir to British throne 71 years ago 1. 11 0 obj WebHow many stars would you give Monarchlegalgroup? BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. << /Resources 153 0 R endobj /Annots [] Already have an account? << Monarch Legal Group Complaints Biryani Maxx Defendants documents reveal that attorneys approve settlements that non- attorney Strategic employees have negotiated without significant review. /Parent 8 0 R HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT - LREC By an Act of Congress and the President of the United States, Monarch Legal Group, is a federally designated Debt Relief Agency. >> endobj Pretty much every Debt Settlement regulatory attorney has warned against doing business this way but they never listen. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] 58 0 obj Despite paying a monthly retainer fee for a lawyer, the consumer responded to the summons and defended himself in court. PAID ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: In examples the City has seen, Defendants collected the entire Service Cost less than halfway into consumers payment schedules. Webaction complaint against Defendants Strategic Financial Solutions, LLC (SFS), its subsidiary LLC d/b/a Monarch Legal Group (Monarch), receive a percentage of monthly charges paid by the client to SFSs billing processor (generally between 3% and 10%), with the lions share going to SFS. Employee and customer online reviews suggest that Strategic works with as many as ten law firms:. /Resources 241 0 R b. /Resources 209 0 R Your experience matters. << /Type /Page WebLegal services are only offered once a Monarch Legal Group attorney has had an opportunity to review the specific facts of a case specifically indicates a willingness to take on the representation. There are no reviews yet. I had been paying all of my credit cards both person and business. << /Type /Page get quotes and more. The Citys investigation indicates that even when Defendants agents negotiate settlements with creditors on consumers behalf, they do not act in consumers best interest. Complaint Form - Office of State Inspector General << Violations of the DSCPA are also violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. You can read the complaint filed in this case. The Complaint Resolution Index (CRI) is an indicator on how responsive a company is in addressing and resolving customer complaints brought to their attention by BCA. - 1:22-cv-03705. None of the many publicly accessible consumer complaints filed against Monarch mention bankruptcy proceedings, even though one consumer inquired about it. /Parent 9 0 R BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. Defendants also know that consumers debts will accrue interest because they instruct consumers to stop making payments on their debts. >> 12 0 obj << /Parent 10 0 R /Contents [138 0 R 139 0 R 140 0 R] /Contents [162 0 R 163 0 R 164 0 R] /Type /Page >> Reviews /Contents [186 0 R 187 0 R 188 0 R] Sign up for free now, Sign up for free to participate on the website. /Type /Pages << In one of those files, Monarch included a call script for a different legal entity, Option 1 Legal. 17 0 obj >> /Type /Pages 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. The City therefore alleges that at least insofar as the practices at issue here are concerned, neither Defendants nor their employees engage in the practice of law. endobj endobj That law requires debt settlement companies to register with the state and restricts practices likely to harm consumers. /Type /Page 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:. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] In fact, at least insofar as the practices at issue here are concerned, Monarch does not provide legal advice or representation. 4 0 obj /Resources 269 0 R As an industry, companies continue to allow their niche to be destroyed by not speaking out about the bad actors. >> Specifically, Defendants ignore consumers financial situations and seemingly do not care whether consumers can realistically finish their payment program. << WebFiling a Complaint Complaint Form Please enter the information requested below, and then click Submit. Typically, debt firms instruct consumers to stop paying unsecured creditors and begin saving money to settle those accounts. endobj /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] If you cant proudly tell clients the real name of your company, there is something seriously wrong.. 225 ILCS 429/145(2), (3). /Contents [106 0 R 107 0 R 108 0 R] Reviews /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] The DSCPA excludes from regulation the services of an attorney engaged in the practice of law. 225 ILCS 429/10. /Type /Page How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews. Monarch provides the law-firm faade while Strategic Financial Solutions carries out the debt resolution program. /Resources 97 0 R /Parent 9 0 R This information is also relevant to determine whether bankruptcya service Defendants pretend to offeris the right path for the consumer. According to employee reviews on Glassdoor, Strategic Financial Services asks its employees to post falsified positive reviews to cover up the truthful negative ones: Reviewers on Better Business Bureau and Google also concluded that Defendants positive reviews are inaccurate. I feel that I can now reach my goal and make my life better in the near future. Those attorneys do not litigate on behalf of consumers. /Type /Page WebMonarch Legal has completely shut me down. Can I Send a Cease and Desist Letter to a Debt Collector? 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. /Resources 141 0 R /Annots [] /Rotate 0 To further reduce the likelihood of providing legal representation, Monarchs retainer agreements place severe restrictions on the provisions of those services. >> /Resources 117 0 R How to Try to Get a Refund From a Debt Relief Company, The Ultimate Guide to Dealing With Student Loans You Cant Afford. endobj I enrolled with 9 accounts in the program. /Resources 161 0 R Strategic created a wholly-owned subsidiary called Carolina Client Services, LLC to carry out the solo practitioners debt settlement program. /Type /Page 225 ILCS 429/125(a). << Read and understand all program materials prior to /Rotate 0 /Contents [278 0 R 279 0 R 280 0 R] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Resources 109 0 R >> /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Reviews of Defendants on various online platforms like Glassdoor, Google, and Better Business Bureau paint starkly different pictures. /Contents [142 0 R 143 0 R 144 0 R] << Do you agree with Monarchlegalgroup's TrustScore? /Parent 8 0 R Now, during the past year I have been paying Monarch Legal to get settlements to my credit cards. 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. /Annots [] Second, Monarch attorneys apparently do not provide legal services or representation in bankruptcy cases. << Monarch /Resources 245 0 R c. Most significant to Defendants, complying with Illinois regulation would sharply curtail their abusive fee structure, discussed further in Section II below. /Type /Page 527 AND 342 NOTICE #1: Notice Mandated by 11 U.S.C. 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. /Resources 197 0 R This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. /Type /Pages /Contents [214 0 R 215 0 R 216 0 R] 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. 19 0 obj /Contents [222 0 R 223 0 R 224 0 R] RAM charges a monthly fee of $10.75 to administer each account. /Type /Page >> /Parent 11 0 R Anyone considering a lawyer should independently investigate the lawyers credentials and ability and should not rely upon advertisements or self-proclaimed expertise. /Rotate 0 Its deceiving, unethical and gives the Industry and the legitimate companies a black eye. 27 0 obj /Pages 4 0 R Defendants have also completely neglected to administer the settlement. /Annots [] /Annots [] endobj >> /Annots [] /Annots [] START REPORTING THEM TO THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE 1-800-243-0618 AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SO THEY CAN BE SHUT DOWN AGAIN. The completed form will be automatically submitted to the State Inspector << Not all clients are able to complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Defendants knowingly mislead consumers by misrepresenting how much they will save and how quickly their debts will get resolved. /Type /Page 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. WebComplaints may also be filed by calling the Fraud and Abuse Hotline at 1-866-801-2549. 55 0 obj >> 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 signed a contract that they would legally handle all affairs with our creditors. 36 0 obj /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Parent 8 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] The Cohn Law /Type /Page /Parent 10 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [114 0 R 115 0 R 116 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. endobj Strategic drives these unfair and deceptive programs but uses its supposed law firm partners as a front to avoid regulation. When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints. For example, after 10 months in a program, only 4% of one consumers payments went to settlements. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] In November 2020, BBB investigated Monarch Legal Groups One Google reviewer wrote that all the good reviews [about Strategic] reviewer are FAKE. monarch legal group complaints /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] The agreement also provides that Monarch will advise and represent clients in their defense of litigation initiated by creditors or collectors[. Everything you need to know about man who became heir to British throne 71 years ago 1. WebMonarch Legal has completely shut me down. /Kids [15 0 R 16 0 R 17 0 R 18 0 R 19 0 R 20 0 R 21 0 R 22 0 R 23 0 R 24 0 R] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Anne that is so good to hear about the refund. Reviews /Parent 10 0 R How many stars would you give Monarchlegalgroup? We appreciate any help you can give. Mr. Robert G. Androsiglio, Founding Managing Partner. View Site. But the consumer informed Monarch of other expenses, including student loans. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Monarch Law Group | Better Business Bureau Profile On information and belief and as described more fully below, Strategic and Monarch jointly operate the debt settlement program. Source: New Reviews Its the exact reason Veritas stopped working with them altogether, many of our participating attorneys will not work with them either. *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. /Annots [] /Rotate 0 /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints. /Rotate 0 /Rotate 0 /Rotate 0 /Type /Page /Contents [170 0 R 171 0 R 172 0 R] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] 65 0 obj Well guide you through the process. Monarch Legal Group is not responsible for the accuracy or correctness of the opinions or comments. /Rotate 0 /Parent 8 0 R Steve Rhode is the Get Out of Debt Guy and has been helping good people with bad debt problems since 1994. In one case, Defendants settled a debt worth $3,943, agreeing to pay between 40-60% of the debt. 39 0 obj Date of experience: September 04, 2020 /Parent 8 0 R /Contents [98 0 R 99 0 R 100 0 R] We are a debt relief << Defendants promise that through negotiating with creditors, consumers will be able to settle their debts for less than the amount owed. Burnette is well aware of the harms his company causes through its deceptive and unfair practices. /Nums [0 7 0 R] The City reviewed each of the three separate consumer files that Monarch provided to identify a clear pattern. /Type /Page Though consumers sign agreements and make payments to Monarch, they rarely, if ever, speak with Monarch employees, let alone Monarch lawyers. The city`s investigation did not reveal any 48 0 obj >> 31 0 obj /Resources 137 0 R endobj Strategic Financial Solutions works with a number of fraudulent debt settlement outfits, including, for example, Carolina Legal Services, a debt settlement law firm that recently closed following an investigation by the North Carolina State Bar and the suspension of the attorney in charge of the law firm. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] xMs0+"N'53=tzAe8H~W28I;.,%$,IO %' ~NTbK /Q*YQ> ~BO> B0~6IfA>rDN+dT0Q.BcywS Ocs^K~1,WlbAVrnSy3lAb@ Be the first to review! /Contents [190 0 R 191 0 R 192 0 R] endobj /CropBox [0 0 612 792] stream /Annots [] WebThese instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or substitute for the provisions of any statute, rule, or regulation. /Annots [] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Rotate 0 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. After accounting for Defendants various fees, consumers end up paying only a small amount into their reserves for settlement of their debts. Monarch tells consumers to call a customer service line or email a customer service address, both of which are operated by Strategic Financial Solutions and its related entities in New York. /Annots [] Despite paying significant fees for legal services, consumers are faced with default judgments, wage garnishments, and other negative consequences. In one example, Defendants collected 19% of a consumers total debtor $6,771.60during the first 22 months of a 48-month payment plan. Read More Business Details and See Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus. BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Side Hustle Review - Is It Too Late To Make Money With A Helium Miner? /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] The Citys investigation indicates that neither Monarch nor Strategic employ lawyers to handle Litigation Defense. Instead, Monarch acts as a referral service by attempting to contract with outside lawyers to handle those matters for small flat fees. The following is My Monarch legal group/reliant account # 25270. I didn't know how it works, so I was explained the details and the procedures of it. 2013035572001), at 4, available at https://www.finra.org/rules- guidance/oversight-enforcement/finra-disciplinary-actions?search=2013035572001.]. /Count 1 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 Investment and Management Group Reviews WebMonday-Friday, 9AM - 5:30PM ET. endobj /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] >> Monarch Law Group offers personal injury, commercial litigation, corporate law, matrimonial/family law and real estate legal services. 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. The Citys investigation found no bankruptcy case filings by Monarch. >> >> The City investigation indicates that consumers do not have access to advice from attorneys, and many never receive any form of legal representation. TrustPilot Reviews Monarch Legal Group Reviews /Rotate 0 Monarchs status as a law firm also provides the basis for the companies to incorrectly claim that they are exempt from debt settlement regulations. 51 0 obj Hi Steve, I am a victim of Monarch until now for 3 years. /CropBox [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. For businesses Categories Blog. Significantly, consumers pay legal fees even if Monarch refuses to provide those services. Defendants to change their business practices and would likely result in diminished profit. Attorneys using Defendants internal case management system copy and paste the same brief notes logging Attorney Reviews without mentioning any information specific to the client. /Contents [262 0 R 263 0 R 264 0 R] /Parent 4 0 R Flats for sale in Edinburgh City; Homes for sale in Edinburgh City; Apartments for Rent in Edinburgh; /Contents [218 0 R 219 0 R 220 0 R] /Type /Page >> 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. Change Your Mindset. /Title (Briggs v. Strategic Financial Solutions, LLC et al. 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.. Consumers reported to the City that they were unable to receive answers from the attorney identified on Monarch paperwork and instead were forced to direct questions to non- lawyers who were not familiar with their situations. The two contacts excerpted below identify James Katayanagi, an employee of Strategic subsidiary Finance Solutions, and Haider Salas, a former employee of Strategic Financial Solutions, as the consumers Law Firm Contact. Neither Katayanagi nor Salas are lawyers: [Before or concurrent with his employment at Finance Solutions, Katayanagi worked as a personal banker. If consumers withdraw after one year, Defendants collect substantial sums without performing work. << This assumption is unrealistic. A prohibition on advising consumers, expressly or by implication, to stop making payments to their creditors and to stop communicating with their creditors. Though the Defendants program makes many consumers worse off, the companies succeed by collecting substantial fees, refusing to provide contracted-for services, and continually attracting new program participants by deceptive marketing tactics like fake reviews. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] 57 0 obj endobj Defendantsa debt settlement companyknow that debt accrues substantial interest and late fees. In total, those settlement fees cannot exceed 15% of the savings the debt settlement provider negotiated for the consumer. % On information and belief, Defendants do not care about consumers successful completion of the plan because their up-front fee structure allows them to make most of their profit during the first year of the payment program. >> The testimonials provided are selected from independent third-party sites. /Rotate 0 /CropBox [0 0 612 792] >> /Rotate 0 /Parent 9 0 R Because so much of each payment goes to Defendants fees (particularly at the beginning of the agreement), consumers with multiple accounts to settle continue accruing significant interest and late charges for months, if not years. /Contents [270 0 R 271 0 R 272 0 R] 38 0 obj 32 0 obj /Annots [] /Rotate 0 /Contents [258 0 R 259 0 R 260 0 R] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] << /Resources 233 0 R /Resources 237 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] endobj 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. >> Third, Defendants fail to factor in interest rates and estimated late fees into their payment schedule. /Parent 11 0 R 30 0 obj endobj Monarchs agreement misleads consumers and contradicts other statements the company makes in prominent promotional materials that consumers rely on. Monarch consumers sign an agreement that says that the company will review the consumers personal hardship and other debt circumstances and formulate a plan to negotiate improved terms. As described further in Section IV below, the Citys investigation indicates that Monarch does not conduct a meaningful financial review. But the Citys investigation indicates that Strategics customer service team does not make attorneys available for client calls. /Kids [8 0 R 9 0 R 10 0 R 11 0 R 12 0 R 13 0 R 14 0 R] Standard phone and data charges will apply. Can you help me please? /Annots [] >> /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792]