ComplaintsforSuncoast Law, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  01/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Suncoast law doesnt fulfill their promises whatsoever. First, they treat you like a toddler and will find any excuse to drop you after you pay, this I have emails. Very unprofessional, dressed for gym, didnt even get everything discharged off credit report, still having collection calls, of course they blamed me. Their promises to get you money if youre contacted during process after full payment is false. Harassed entire time and was told to just deal with it . Now its going to cost me over 5k to hire a different law firm to clean up their mess, who btw charge so much as Im not the first client from Sun Coast law and its such a mess. Called office on 1/12/2024 and spoke with ******* about about another collection attempt that didnt get taken care of by bankruptcy and she lied and said her system was down to see our file and told me , well, nothing she can do.

  Customer response

  01/22/2024

  Attorney **** from Sun coast law just called me and bullied me ! Stating his rating was great on BBB and there was nothing I could do. 

  Business response

  01/24/2024

  I completed my review of the entire file and met with the professionals that handled this clients bankruptcy.After my review I contacted the client by phone to discuss his side of the issues at hand and my findings. The client became very abrupt during the call and in fact cussed me out before he hung up on me.
  The client had several issues which I will address my findings.
  The client stated that he had staff issues and dress code issues at our firm. The client came into our office one time and met with our Billing Manager in person to drop off his filing fee.The client did not like the way our Billing Manager was dressed. On that day the billing manager was not working a full day so there was no dress code policy concerning our firm. The client stated he was treated like a toddler. When the client came in, he was being argumentative with our employee so once the client left our employee addressed the situation with the Managing Attorney, so the Managing Attorney addressed by email to the client. In that email to the client, it was clear that a client cannot start a conflict with our staff members and if there is a conflict, we would have to close the case down and complete a partial refund. The client understood at that time and continued with us at Suncoast Law. So, in these two areas there were no issues with our professionals, and all were handled correctly.
  Our client stated that he had issues with our Debt Harassment staff. This is not correct either. When the client hired the firm debt harassment also started working to cover the ***** Law. The client thought he had creditor violations and in fact they were not violations by the creditors so our staff could not collect on the false violations.
  When speaking with the client by phone his biggest issue was, he stated a creditor was not included in his bankruptcy. We pulled his Bankruptcy petition, and all creditors were included,and the client signed his petition for bankruptcy. The creditor he is referring to on his BBB complaint was included and it appears that creditor sold off the debt to another creditor AFTER his bankruptcy was 100% completed. If a creditor decides to sale off their bad debt to another creditor after a person does a bankruptcy that is not a bankruptcy issue. That is possibly a credit reporting problem which again has nothing to do with bankruptcy.
  The client paid for his bankruptcy in full including his filing fee. He submitted his documents accordingly, which in turn were audited by our staff. Then the Petition was completed. Client, and his assigned Attorney reviewed the petition and was signed off by client that it was 100% accurate on April 1, 2023. The clients hearing was completed successfully on June 14,2023 with his Discharge of bankruptcy was given on August 18, 2023.
  It is now January 24, ****, six months after his bankruptcy discharge and now states he has issues. The bottom line is there are zero internal issues at our firm and the clients bankruptcy was fully completed successfully by Suncoast law. There will be NO refund to this client.  
  Thank you,
  Director

  Customer response

  01/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 21140571
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  **** the attorney who fabricated this reply inaccurate in his response to complaint. First of all, I received an unsolicited call from him! Whereas I was belittled, spoke down to, and accused of lying. I have a recorded conversation of this conversation as I even informed **** of to which he didnt disagree. I never cursed anyone out and id appreciate less slanderous comments. I never had my final sit down, as promised to go over credit report after final hearing, I was in office 3x to witness unprofessional dress code, I was badgered and belittled by attorney in a desperate attempt to look good on his behalf. I was also told that said attorney would be protected by the BBB as he has been in the past, to which I am concerned. I WILL address this issue with state attorney general and the state attorneys board. No attorney should think he is above reproach. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Business response

  01/26/2024

  2nd and final response
  
  It appears the client is continuing with fictitious statements.The first one the client states Attorney ****. I am not an Attorney I Manage the Intake staff and other areas of operation for the firm and stated my position verbally and my email to the client from the first time he hired our firm in 2019 and then again in 2023.
  The other comments this past client made are illogical.Again, I have shown from my previous response the work was completed with no flaws from start to finish with the clients bankruptcy case and again there is no refund. We have successfully closed out this complaint with the BBB and at our law firm.
  
  Thank you,
  Director 

  Customer response

  01/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 21140571
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  My sincerest apologies that I built **** up to something of value. The intake person is again trying to bully me. Follow up after BK never done and he continues to tap dance around it. Service wasnt 100% provided as promised by ****. This company seems to have a culture of bullying and I wont tolerate it nor should anyone else. If company can prove %100 that everything was completed as promised including the follow up after the bk was discharged, which it wasnt, then Ill be happy, **** likes to say what he thinks anyone should hear and again, not succumbing to bullying. State Bar being notified of this today as well. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid this firm $2000 plus $350 for a filing fee. Upon an examination of my case it was determined by them that I could not file now but possibly could in a year. I asked for my filing fee back on Dec 1st and a refund from the $2000 that I paid. I asked them to tell me the amount of the refund since I may elect to not get a refund and just use it to file in a year's time. I did not hear back for 2 weeks so I sent an email inquiring about the status. I was told that the attorney review for a refund takes 30 days. I presumed they were looking at work done vs work to be performed. So, I waited...and waited. Finally, on Jan 10th I reached out again (41 days since my request) and said I would contact the bar if they did not tell me something. They emailed me shortly thereafter that they would mail the refund without telling me the amount as I requested. I received 2 checks today...one for the filing fee and one for a $200 refund. I contacted them as to why the refund was so low since the case was not filed and no court case occurred. I was informed my retainer was $1700. I then asked why did I receive $200 instead of $300 since I paid $2000 (2000-1700=300)? I also asked what is the point of a 30-day attorney review if this is simply a matter of the retainer? I received no response to these questions. I am very disappointed with this firm. They are very communicative in trying to receive funds, but very quiet and math challenged when refunding. Tbh, considering the amount of work not done I also expected a larger refund than the $300 I did not receive.

  Business response

  01/24/2024

  I completed my review of the entire file and met with the professionals that handled this clients bankruptcy.After my review I contacted the client by phone to discuss his side of the issues at hand and my findings. The client stated that he felt this was a moot point and he would contact the BBB directly since he made an error in his statement.
  The client had several issues which I will address my finding:
  Our client stated that he paid our firm $2000.00 in attorney fees and $350.00 for the filing fee. These numbers are not correct, so I sent to the client email the actual cost that he signed for plus a copy of the fully executed retainer. The actual cost was $1700.00 in attorney fees and the filing fee was $350.00 which includes the credit pull for a total of $2050.00.
  Our internal Policy for refunds at our firm is 30 to 45 days. The Managing Attorney must complete a full review and we must notify our Debt Harassment staff to send out revoke letters to all the clients creditors and make sure they were received before we can release funds. Once all steps are completed and verified then the refund amount is sent to the client.  
  The main issue with this client is he did not disclose that he had a loan (advancement) from his employer, and he had to pay back his employer monthly until paid in full. The client alerted us to what he was doing the day he was to review his completed Bankruptcy Petition with the Managing Attorney. Once he made the staff aware of the issue the Managing Attorney reviewed the new findings and the clients paralegal contacted the client that we could go ahead and put his file on HOLD and file later once he paid his employer back the funds in full that were owed. The client decided that he wanted to close the file and he requested a refund. The email chain on this event was from November 29th, 2023, and ended with the client canceling all services on December 1, 2023. We can send the email to the BBB if needed.
  Our professionals from start up to client cancellation were handled 100% correct with no flaws. The client was scheduled for his Petition review and signing and that is when the client admitted he did not disclose a loan. The client did receive a refund from our firm in the amount of $200.00 and his Bankruptcy filing fee of $313.00. We are closing this case with the BBB as completed and there will be no added refund.
  
  Thank you,
  Director

• Initial Complaint

  10/31/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I want it to be known that this law firm does not stand behind the information provided on the phone at intake. I asked if my credit union up north could be exempt from a bankruptcy process and was told it could be. I hired them based on this information and paid them almost $2400. Before filing was complete I was informed by my attorney, whom I never had any direct contact with, that it would not be exempt. I would NEVER have filed and paid this money had I been given this information at intake. I feel I was misled. Even though I withdrew my claim based upon this new information they have refused to return any portion of my payments except for the $375 filing fee. I've requested a refund twice but they have not responded. I would like to caution anyone from doing business with Suncoast Law in Orlando, FL. I have wasted $2000 that could have gone toward my bills. I am single and on a fixed income.

  Business response

  11/22/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2022/11/14) */ I completed a full review / audit on this case. I have spoken to the client. She fully understands and agrees she misunderstood what our firm was doing to protect her as a client. We have reached a settlement agreement with this client so we are closing out this complaint successfully for both parties. Thank you, Kirk C****** Consumer Response /* (2000, 8, 2022/11/14) */ Case #******** Please be advised that my complaint has been satisfactorily resolved with this company. They have reached out to me and it appears there were a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings and a settlement agreement has been reached with both parties. I wish to thank you for your prompt, courteous attention to bring this issue to a satisfactory conclusion. I would appreciate if you would immediately confirm notification to me and the company at issue that this case has been satisfactorily resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  01/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hired Suncoast Law in September to represent me in a judgement collection against me. After signing all the agreements I was met with complete unprofessionalism by the attorney and her office manager. Although he prefers to call himself "the director." I was told that that i would be charged monthly and that this entire case could take up to four months. After three months there was literally no movement in the case and i poilitely asked for an update to which the attorney responded, "I can withdraw from this case at any time due to lack of professionalism." Still trying to figure out how that or any other correspondence through email was unprofessional. At that point (December 4th) I didnt feel like I could be represented fairly and asked her to withdraw. But here;s the good part.... unbeknowngst to me, they had already filed a motion in October to withdraw and didnt tell me but still collected the monthly payments of 400.00 for month for the months of October and November and I feel like I am due a refund for those two months. The only way I found out about their October motion to withdraw was through the court docket. I feel like at the moment they filed a motion to withdraw I should no longer be liable for payment for the next two months. I would challenge them to provide ANY notification sent to me direcly that they had applied for withdrawal in October while I payed them all the way through December 4th when I fired them. I later found out that they have a littany of complaints through the BBB and shame on me for not doing good enough homework before hiring them. The attorney Shelly ***** carries a blistering 2.5 star review on the attorneys network.

  Business response

  02/24/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/02/07) */ I have tried working with the client and he stated on email he refuses to speak with our firm. (See attached emails). Regarding the allegations by this client, I have listed out the facts pertaining to his case(s). First this client stated he hired the firm one time. This client hired our firm three times with the first time being an open court litigation debtor work out case on September 8,2021. Then the second case he emailed Attorney S. *** and called into the office and decided that he did not want to do debtor workout and decided on October 5, 2021, to do Bankruptcy while our staff was already working on the first case. The professionals then started working on case #2 the bankruptcy case and Attorney S. *** discovered that he could not do the bankruptcy due to a property issue, so the firm again worked and protected the client from making a mistake by doing a bankruptcy. At that point the client decided he wanted the firm to go back and handle his open court litigation case through debtor workout, so work began again on case #3 on October 19,2021. The professionals switched gears again and started working on behalf of the client with the debt harassment case. Client stated that Attorney S ** filed a motion to withdraw in October which is not 100% correct - again this case is an open litigation case in Volusia County Public records. The fact on this part is the attorney filed a Motion to Withdraw on October 7, 2021, since the client decided to hire our firm for bankruptcy so the attorney MUST withdraw from the litigation case. As soon as we discovered that bankruptcy was not in the best interest of the client the Attorney then filed a Notice to Withdraw the original Motion to Withdraw from the case so that the Attorney could continue to work the open court litigation debtor work out case which the client requested for our firm to re-open his debtor work out case. When the client became uncooperative with our professionals and terminated our firm then the Attorney filed the Motion to withdraw on 12.7.22 and the case was officially closed by the courts January 11, 2022. Again, this is public records which the docket can be viewed that shows the above our firm / Attorney handled correctly. When the client hired our firm, he paid the firm $400.00 to start case #1 and in 27 days we opened case #2 bankruptcy case we credited the client $300.00 from the first case and then the client paid another $300.00 for the bankruptcy case before we closed the bankruptcy case. When we started case #3, we credited the client $300.00 again from the 2nd case then the client paid us for one month in November of $400.00. So, the total that the client paid to our firm was $1,100.00 for three cases and a little over three months of work. As stated above this client will not speak with me so there is no refund amount. Client stated that our staff is unprofessional including myself which makes no sense when each one of our professionals worked on all three cases for this client without issues until he decided to cancel. Our ratings remain strong with the BBB with an "A" our google rating is 4.3 Stars out of 5 Stars, we have assisted upwards of 4000 Floridians and continue to successfully grow our Law firm. Thank you Kirk C*** Director Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/02/08) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I'll start this rebuttal with his opening sentence. I turned down any further correspondence with this unqualified attorney AFTER I fired them. Let me say that again. AFTER I fired them! Hired them three times? Not on your life pal. He makes reference to three different cases. Possibly. But since there was hardly any corrspondence or communication I had no idea what they were doing or what was going on. The original case is as described in his response. This is where we go down the rabbit hole. The attorney "suggested" we could go an alternate way and completely wipe out the case in a bankruptcy filing. I agreed and off we went. Here's the problem... Theres one steadfast rule when filing bankruptcy that any qualified attorney knows right off the bat. A rule that I now know right off the top of my head and im an amimal trapper. I was asked immediately when I first hired these underachievers if my home was inside or outside the city limits and how much land it was on. I told them i'm INSIDE the city limits on 1.1 acres of land. So heres the LAW. "Property INSIDE the city limits can only be protected against bankruptcy if it is less than a half acre." I have 1.1 acres. This immediately disqulaifies and prevents me from filing bankruptcy. Please read that again. These are things a first year law intern would know right off the bat and never even consider offering a client this defense that has 1.1 acres INSIDE city limits. If they dont immediately know they have no grounds in a bankruptcy case to begin with, they have no business practicing law. If they did know it and decided to move forward anyway it was only because they were trying to prolong the case since they get paid monthly. Hmmmm... So why would "I" be held accountable or at fault for them filing a bankruptcy motion that would obviously hold no water? As i said before, an experienced attorney would have never gone down that road and have to switch back to the original defense to begin with. So, in their confusion they spent two months opening and closing cases without filing any other other motions with the opposing attorney. If you read all of their complaints you will immediately notice a pattern of defense. They brag they have a 4.3 star reputation out of 5. Thats actually an embarassing number. 4.3 is pathetic. People that want qualified professionals will look as far down as 4.8 but thats about it. And the attorney herself has a blistering 2.5 review. They claim to have served over 4000 people. Then why only 132 reviews? Those numbers just dont add up and anybody with an ounce of intelligence can see through this. So all this hogwash about opening three different cases and all the other wordy nonsense is self inflicted for not knowing the simple laws of filing bankruptcy. I am seeking reimbursement of 700.00 for the months of October and November. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2022/02/08) */ Our stance at Suncoast Law has not changed. I submitted my response on February 7, 2022, listing the work that our firm completed plus the going back and forth with three cases. All staff members that worked these case(s) have used the upmost professionalism with this past client and again we have a very strong reputation across the state of Florida and continue to grow our Law Firm. We are closing this dispute out as completed with no refund. Thank you, Kirk ******* Director Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2022/02/09) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Looks like Suncoast Law ran out of logical argument. In my opinion this business should be investigated and shut down while disbarring S***** H****. They have continually ripped people off and should be held accountable for all the money they have continually stolen from hardworking people such as myself. My proof of this statement is on the internet including the BBB. His last rebuttal is laughable. All I keep reading is this parrot cage talk about their great reputation. It seems all the office manager does is hook people into hiring this clown outfit and then spending the rest of his time putting out fires at the BBB. Best Lawyer Reviews 2.8 Yelp 1.0 Redvedex 1.0 S***** H**** 2.3 And the list goes on....

• Initial Complaint

  11/29/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I retain their services not knowing their history. I am on Social Security alone, my husband passed **** November due to Covid and left no life insurance so I have absolutely nothing. I was unaware that the credit card debt that I have which is 99.9% credit card debt and unsecured that the creditors could not garnish my social Security check. I was not told that by the legal services just that it would be very wise to do so and file Chapter 7. The fee would be $1750 for their services $300 plus for court fees. I have already paid them $600 in monthly installments I was told they will do nothing until they are paid. I am living with family due to the fact that I cannot afford to live on my own I sent them an email requesting a refund due to the fact that I might return back to my home state and I can no longer afford to pay them on a monthly basis. I asked for a refund of my $600 since as they put it nothing will be done paper wise or contacting creditors until my account is paid in full and they have denied saying they have a stipulation that they will hold $600 which is absurd I am asking for your assistance to help in this matter there is a gentleman named Kurt who is Extremely rude and when I looked on remarks every remark that was made with ***** Kurt and his unprofessionalism and the fact that he's very rude. The firm itself on every complaint has defended him and I just don't see how this can go on. How do you deny an elderly person on Social Security begging you to refund her monies has nothing yet has been done. This company I believe it's a scam and I've lost $600 which may not be a lot to them but to me it's everything

  Business response

  12/20/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/12/14) */ This complaint has been resolved with the past client effective this morning 12.14.21. Both parties completed and signed off on a settlement agreement. Thank you Kirk **** Director Consumer Response /* (2000, 7, 2021/12/14) */ I have spoken to Kurt and agreed on a settlement of. $200 to be returned to my account. ! I am Removing my complaint

• Initial Complaint

  11/12/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Due me loosing my job due my mental health and physical health after my 2nd bout of cancer, been my husband 100% VA incapacitated all we had was his pension and SS since 2016 -to 2019 , in the meantime we also lost our son , all that putting myself in a very hard situation , all the debt was. In my name except our house , I tried to go chapter 13 but was recommended by Kirk to go chapter 7 I was worried about my car bc I had given a big down payment most of it my 401k to make sure we had a reliable car since my other one was not working good at all. 14 yrs old. He assured me multiple times I even pleaded him please don't lie you are sure I won't jeopardize my car is all we have and need . He. Promised me you won't . That was not true , when I spoke with Ashley Hoe the real Lawyer she told me that's not the way it work she told me a different version still we we're talking the court probably giving time to finish paying my car , not taking away but of course I was still paying installments for the 1700.00 that it was going to cost me plus 385.00 filing cost . Only spoke one time with her she was very rude , next was Melissa ******** , yes she still work for them reading some of your cases they told some of them that she no longer work for them when she still do. No empathy at all everything she did was kept making harder and harder for me , to the moment I was having panic attacks in the interim I lost one of my sisters . The same week she told me that for a debt I had for hardly 25.000 I needed to paid the trustee 13,000 which she knew I didn't have and if I go chapter 13 my monthly repayments we're going to be 1,000 a month when I ask why so hi she said bc our income. I said you should not include my husband incapacitation income from VA as per the law for chapter 13 or 7 or even my SSI bc is not SS is incapacitation SS . She told me I was incorrect that is when I said I can't go trough with it . I was told some % was going to b return. Not 300.00

  Business response

  12/15/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2021/11/24) */ I have completed a full audit of this file and met with the professionals at our firm that assisted with this case. The below is a detail of events that took place from the time the client hired our firm to when the client cancelled services in writing on 10.12.21. First and foremost, when a client hires our firm, all new cases are built out by our data entry team then the file moves to the debt harassment staff for their portion plus they contact each client by email and phone. Then reviewed by the assigned attorney which contacts the client to complete another full review so all involved have the same expectations from start to finish with the case. The client's complaint to the BBB started with her personal issues and dragged them to the end of her complaint which has nothing to do with our firm since our firm was hired to handle only a Bankruptcy for the client. The client also stated that she was told by me that she wanted to do a Bankruptcy 13 which is not a true statement. We discussed her option as a Bankruptcy 7 and when our staff and assigned attorney believes that a client needs to go to a different type of service only the assigned attorney would make that final decision with client. Client states that she was concerned about her two vehicles which was addressed by our professionals and her assigned attorney on February 4,2021, February 9, 2021, September 29,2021 and once again on October 8, 2021, so the client was fully aware of the situation with the vehicles. Client's complaint then goes into issues about an attorney (by name) that does not work for our firm then she states her paralegal Melissa was rude and she read that Melissa does not work for our firm. On the contrary Melissa has been a dedicated employee a top performer and has been employed for over nine years. Based on this complaint the client stated there was no empathy from our professionals. The staff has empathy, but this is not about feelings they are trained to follow the Federal guidelines regarding the client's case. Client finished this complaint with issues with her household income to going back to doing a Bankruptcy 13. The staff again addressed professionally and once again laid out the Federal guidelines must be followed by our law firm, professionals, and attorneys. Client canceled in writing through email and per her own letter wrote, (CLIENT- Can you please work out any refund that may apply for me be refunded.). Our firm refunded a total of $668.00 to the client which is based on the work that was completed by the professionals on a flat fee retainer. I tried speaking with the client on November 23,2021 and the client only wanted to argue with me and interrupt when I was trying to review the case with the client. I also offered the client another $200.00, and she declined the funds. The client did state that we as a law firm took an extra $300.00 from her which also is not correct. I emailed client the billing information yesterday to show the flat fee she paid total of $1700.00 and the fling/cost fee $375.00. I also stated on the email (email included in complaint) that she was more than welcome to contact me this morning in the office and if I did not hear from her, I would finish my portion of the BBB complaint today and close out. Client did not contact me, so I am closing this BBB complaint out effective 1.35pm November 24,2021. Thank you Kirk **** Director Consumer Response /* (3000, 8, 2021/11/29) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) Mr. Kirk is a professional lier as you can see with all the complaints your organization have in the 5 or so yrs this firm have . When he called me on the 23rd he started the conversation Stating that's why I complained with you that they have an A+ rating with BBB when he's not true they are not even rated with you And almost 90% of their complain are not closed or satisfied theirModus operandi he's similar if you read all the complains it's about the same most of the cases that are closed our cases that the customers did and paid the full price now those like myself to pay the full flat price those are not Been all Fred a more acceptable amount he stated that I didn't pay more than the court fees in the 1700 but I will send you with these a copy of the text message where I did paid more that the 1700 flat fee the Mark is talking about that has nothing to do with the court fees any and I had to pay the same day that I signed the paper with Mark I had to pay that payment with my Bank Of America because the bank that paid for the 1700 was my bank Direct express which is the one that my SSI check gets deposited without one they collected 1700 and then A money order of $385 for court was sent to them so far I have receive $665 from Son cost and he offered me $200 more that will leave them with my $1700 not been paid if I did not accept it for $200. So far I have requested a detail bill as a customer and being on my right to have a detailed bill white in where and how those $1700 we use for this I'm out of money being used . He also mentioned about Melissa I only mention Melissa to explain that they are liars because in one of your complain to thousand and 19 one of the customers oh Suncoast he's complaining that when she went to complain and tried to reach Melissa which was the one that was handling her case because you know the case they only spoke with the lawyer one time first with Marc that he never said he's a lawyer but he never say he's not been with Ashley **** which she is the lawyer. And your conversation with her last about 15 to 25 minutes the most she's very rude very dry she also mentioned to me that the car yes that I might have trouble with my card but that the judge probably will give me about 10 month all the pain if the people that at all the car I sent a payment plan now I have been paying my car monthly since the day I bought it he had never having to be automatically so I was counting that I had no problem in paying my car and that the judge and the people will accept that mark on the contrary was very niceVery empathetic and he told me I won't have any problem with my car that I even ask him Mark can I trust you please the car is very important to us we are to senior citizen both we are mayor medical condition can I trust you he says yes Gilma you can of course that's his business the Mark I met on the phone call was not the same Mark I met the year before it this Mark was rude disrespectful screaming I put him on speaker my daughter heard him my husband they were in shock to hear him screaming at me telling him you don't let me talk he repeated to me the same thing not one not two not 34 times the same thing he kept saying no you did not pay more than $1700 no you did not pay more than 300 $1700 no you did not you don't let me talk every time every time I tried to talk he will interrupt me saying that I don't let him talk and I did it again and again and again and again he kept screaming at me that was his modus operandi like if I was the one that was fighting when he was him the one fighting he was intimidating or trying to be I was not I'm not in the wrong in here so I don't have to be intimidating when he decided that he was going nowhere with me that's when he hung up on me and then comes your letter everything he could use and he can and he can try and convert it to affect me he did the first words when I called this company that I asked Mark was I read in your advertising that in the state of Florida I would not lose my car this is the most important thing for me my car it's always been the first thing that I had mentioned to him to Ashley to Melissa I had never lied to none of them with Marc was a no all the time no problemOf course at that time I had not paid one single sent to them then the call from Ashley king that should have been my first warning her attitude but because phone calls emails can not show the true personality I gave them the benefit of the doubt why not how can you not trust a lawyer how can you think they can scam you ***** that's the first time I heard you might have problem with your car but it all depends what the judge said he was never mention a trustee he was never mention an amount of money that I needed to bring to court he was never mention if we go to chapter 13 or chapter 7 how much my income was going to affect how my income will be decided then the third person I meet is MelissaNo Melissa should had been my third big big warning because she was the queen of rudeness but I kept giving them my benefit of the doubt Melissa start asking me for paperwork which I provided to her she was to one point send me an email in IN all caps which I have to say to her to never ever do that again. They treat you like they are the ones that are paying you and your work for them like keep their business is to make you upset to make everything impossible for you for you to quit and that will be a done deal they keep your money they don't have to go to court they don't have to work and that's a done deal 1700 in their pocket and that's it they give you back what they cannot keep legally because they cannot prove they use it which is any court money they took from you either for filing or court fees that's what they returned to me and if you dare to complain then they have the wonderful $200 to dangle in your face like a carrot to a hungry rabbit because why not you're going bankruptcy you don't have no money to find another lawyer to fight them you will be a shame if you want to take this to the TV to the news to the media this is the perfect scam they must be full of money I wonder how many people work for this firm . The day that I told Melissa I have to quit the bankruptcy was because she told me that if I go chapter 7 which was what are your court with Marc what mark offer me to do I had to half with me $13,000 the day we go to court to pay the trustee now mind you what all was around $26,000 in debt how would I have $13,000 in cash very easy for Melissa to say to me put a loan against your house no when I asked Melissa if I go to chapter 13 and I pay my debt how would at how much would I pay and keep my car she said you will have to pay at least $1000 a month to pay your bill that way you will also keep your car the thousand dollar did not included the The payment of my car That is when I asked Melissa where would I pay or how did you came with that amount a month she said to me because your income wedding come she said what your husband earn and what you earn and I say what my husband earn is money for it he's in capacity you should not put that by law Isis income because he's 100% better and disable him by law he should not be used as income and she said not on the bankruptcy and I said to her she said yes I said even my Social Security is SSI which is for incapacity to I'm not 67 yet well so that's when I said crying there's nothing I can do I'm not going to jeopardize my house to save my car and I'm not going to jeopardize my car because my husband received dialysis he has very great health condition the same ask myself so let's stop these that's when she said send an email to us so we can stop these I asked what will happen with my money and she said to me you will receive the court fees and probably a percentage of the money that was was not a use for the case just send the email and that's what I did the same email that Mark tried to use against me at this point I put in my money as a lost can see I was scam by law company . I think once the paralegal finish organizing my information should had been a lLAWYER the one to contact me presented the case to me answered my questions and try to find a satisfactory solution to his customer because that is what they are paid for . I was not advised or told that a paralegal which is not legally a lawyer was going to handle my legal case. Attach is the bank statement where they remove 200 .00 from BOA waiting from direct express bank detailed withdrawals from Suncoast and still trying to find where my daugther put the copy of the money order I sent to them . Also attached is the complaint that mention the customer stating she was transfer to Ricardo when she was told Melissa Didn't work with them anymore . Another lie ? Business Response /* (4000, 10, 2021/12/09) */ Regarding the client's further correspondence that I have received there are very troubling statements. The client stated that our firm and me are liars and that our firms' complaints are over 90%. On the contrary, I am the Director for the firm and have been a Director for over 12 years. As far as Suncoast Law we have a strong reputation with assisting over 4000 Floridians with there legal issues and the number continues to grow. Our BBB rating is an A and when you look at our complaints to our overall client base our average of complaints is at 0.37% which is under 1%. As any other business we prefer not to have complaints, but all complaints are handled quickly and professionally. The client again stated that there were fund issues. The client paid our firm a flat attorney fees of $1700.00 in total by way of debit card and the filing/cost fee of $375.00 by money order. Once the client canceled services in writing a review of the file was completed and our accounting department sent the client $300.00 refund back to her debt card and then the $338.00 was sent to client in check form for a total refund of $638.00. Client requested a breakdown of payments which I did send to the client (added to the complaint as an attachment). Client requested a detail bill which cannot be done since this is a flat fee retainer meaning there is no hourly billing, and the flat fee covers all services and internal cost in the retainer agreement the client signed plus the fee is paid in part or in full, upon signing the retainer agreement. The client has brought up the situation with her cars once again which I addressed on the first segment of the complaint that this was documented in our law system / clients file four times with dates verbally with the client. Client also continues to state Melissa does not work for our firm and she continues to embellish Melissa throughout her response when Melissa is a top performer for our law firm. Regarding the names Mark, Ashley***** and Ashley **** which the client is complaining about this also is concerning when none of these people work for our firm and never has worked for us at Suncoast law so not sure why she would complain about people not even employed with Suncoast Law. In the last response client brought up her husband's income and that only a paralegal was doing her work. In Bankruptcy there are guidelines that must be followed, and the staff was following all guidelines and a paralegal is a trained professional to do subsidiary legal matters at the direction of the attorney the paralegal is working for. Our stance at Suncoast Law has not changed. I submitted my response on November 24,2021 with a detail of events and a completed audit of the client's file. I also wrote that we were 100% willing to refund another $200.00 to the client with a Settlement Agreement and the client refuses to settle. We are closing this dispute out as completed. Thank you Kirk ******* Director

• Initial Complaint

  10/14/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  i sought the help of this law firm to help with a foreclose with my HOA, they advised it was something they always did and gave examples of what they would do. After 3 months and $1200 , the only thing they did was file a Notice of Representation . I advised that I was going to also seek the assistance of the local media , after hearing that I was advised they would no represent me and filed a motion to withdraw with my auto-signed signature . at the court hearing there attorney told the judge they I stated that I was the one who wanted to part ways .

  Business response

  11/10/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/10/27) */ I have completed a full audit of this file and met with the professionals at our firm that assisted with this case. The client stated in his complaint that the assigned Attorney only filed into the case and did not work the case and when the client threatened the law firm with the Press then the attorney withdrew from the case. The below is a detail of events that took place from the time the client hired our firm to when the assigned attorney had no choice but to withdraw from the case and my last conversation with this client. When the client hired our firm in late April 2021 work started immediately. All new cases are built out by our data entry team then the file moves to the debt harassment staff for their portion with a review by the assigned attorney. At that point the professionals can start working and the assigned attorney also contacts the clients for another full review of the case which was done on April 30,2021. Due to the nature of this type of case the attorney must file into the court case then proceed accordingly with the next steps with contacting the Opposing Council which was done successfully. Clients assigned attorney requested a breakdown of all charges, fees including attorney fees from Opposing Council. When working with Opposing Council they sometimes will drag their feet with getting back to our side since our firm is looking to settle at a possible lower amount. After several attempts his assigned Attorney was able to get what was needed reached out to the client June 23,2020 and the client even responded to his Attorney working the case. Between the 23rd of June through July 9, 2021, we have entry's working with Opposing Council on settling this issue. Attorney reached out to client stating they were not willing to lower the amount at this time and the next step would be to go to trial. Client did not respond back for six days and then on July 14,2021 he wanted a payment plan set up. His Attorney once again contacted Opposing Council with a possible payment structure which was also sent to the client for review. Client refused the settlement offer on July 16,2021 and wrote in the same email that he had contacted the Press / Channel** and they were very interested in his story. The bottom line is our staff completed the work flawlessly from start all the way until the client created a conflict with his Attorney and our law firm. The attorney had no choice but to withdraw from the case due to irreconcilable differences that were created by the client. I spoke to the client October 27, 2021, and tried to review the entire case with the client and he became angry. I also told him I was willing to refund $200.00 and have the client complete a Settlement Agreement with our firm because the Settlement Agreement protects him as a past client and our law firm. He then stated No I am not settling, and he had hired another Law firm to sue our Law firm and we ended the conversation. I am closing this complaint out at this time as completed. If you need any other further information, you may contact me by phone or email. Thank you Kirk ******* Director Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/10/28) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The response was similar to the service we received, full of words with no action ! An offer of $200 in exchange for not telling others about them is not acceptable. We would wish to proceed with the complaint Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2021/11/01) */ Our stance at Suncoast Law has not changed. I submitted my response on October 27,2021 listing in detail all the work that our firm completed on behalf of the former client. I also wrote that we were 100% willing to refund $200.00 to the client with a Settlement Agreement and the client refuses to settle. We are closing this dispute out as completed. Thank you Kirk ******* Director Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2021/11/01) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The minimum we will accept is $600, 9 on your side is interested in doing our story for their streaming channel

• Initial Complaint

  10/08/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I started Bankruptcy proceedings with Sun Coast Law in December of 2020. I take care of my 50yo son with a terminal brain tumor. I got in over my head with credit cards when I brought him to Florida. I dealt with Kirk. Paid them $750 and then I reached the wrong law office and when I told them who I was looking for the said "Be careful of that Company ". I then read their reviews on BBB. I called and canceled my claim as I did not feel they had done much (if anything) for that money. They refused to refund any part. I have been busy filling with another law firm and my bankruptcy was granted last month. My son is now failing and close to the end. I would like to pursue a refund. All they did was call me many times to see if any of the creditors contacted me so they could (sue?) them for harassment. Please help me get at least a partial refund. I would be happy with $400. Thank you ******************

  Business response

  11/04/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/10/22) */ I have completed the audit on this past client file. I also emailed the client and spoke to the client. After I completed my review with the client we have came to an agreement. As a law firm we have completed a settlement agreement with the client, so it is documented that both parties are in full agreement. I also want to thank****** for giving me the opportunity to speak with her regarding her case and the BBB. We are closing this complaint out at this time as completed. Thank you, Kirk ******* Director Consumer Response /* (2000, 6, 2021/10/25) */ Just wanted to let you know my complaint against Sun Coast Law has been settled to my satisfaction Thank you

• Initial Complaint

  09/29/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I HIRED suncoast law to do service for Me they charged Me $1750.00 and $338.00 court cost seemed like every week or two they wanted Me to send another document witch i did they asked for my parents trust papers witch i sent them then they wanted My Moms personal stuff like Banking accounts stocks and bonds witch My name was not on any of these documents and had nothing to do with Me since I could not pervade these Documents they said they where going to drop my case in a week if I didn't pervade My Moms personal info so like a week later i get a check for $338.00 the price of court cost i emailed and called them many of time they would not take or return My calls until I filed a complaint with the BBB then they called about My complaint told Me they would give Me $300.00 back from the $1750.00 i gave them for serves they didn't do i told the make it $600.00 witch was more then far for doin nothing them He said ok now it is $200.00 funny they knew i was disabled and still Robed Me

  Business response

  10/26/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2021/10/13) */ This is the 2nd time the client has reached out to the BBB regarding to his past case. The client now is stating our firm is asking him to lie. After we and the BBB closed out his first complaint the client called me back ( plus emails) and stated he would go ahead and settle for another $300.00 since he could not find another firm to sue our Law firm. I agreed that I had no issues with settling for the original amount that I had offered the client in September 2021. When our firm settles any case for any reason the other party must complete a Settlement Agreement which protects us as a law firm and the past client. I sent over the document for this client to sign and he contacted me back and stated he refuses to sign. At that point I closed this file again and he then sent another complaint to the BBB. This client refuses to settle with our firm, so we are officially closing with the BBB for the 2nd time as completed. Thank you Kirk *******- Director ** THE BELOW IS MY ORGINAL RESPONSE FROM 9.9.21 Spoke to client 9.9.21 From the moment a client hires our firm work begins. Out data entry team builds a clients file then it is delivered to our debt harassment staff to complete their portion plus reach out to the client by phone and email plus the clients assigned attorney communication with each client. When the assigned paralegal was collecting the required documents from client an issue came up regarding to documents that the client did not want to disclose. When a client cannot or will not disclose documents needed or requested by the attorney / law firm then the client is in breach of contract (retainer he signed) so we at Suncoast law must close the case out. When our firm closes files, they are audited and with this file we determined the amount of work that was performed so we refund the client $338.00 which has been done. Today I spoke to client offered an additional amount and he declined. I have emailed the client and stated that he could reach back out to me within 24 hours if he decides to accept. I am closing this customer review at this time as completed. Thank you Kirk ******* - Director NOTE - I have attached the last few emails on the complaint for your review Consumer Response /* (3000, 8, 2021/10/13) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) They wanted to send Me a check for $300 of the$1750 I sent them for doing nothing they were hired to do with the $300.00 they want me to say they did there job and that I was satisfied with their service and I'm not satisfied with their service they wanted me to lie about the things they've done which they've done nothing except bully me into trying to take this settlement after robbing me for $1,750 they sent me back to court cost trying to say that they sent me back $383 that they didn't use that money will that money was for the court cost. They kept every other dime The firm has done this to others they wanted me to pull all my bad reviews away and give me $300 from the remainder 1750 I gave them they've taken advantage of me and other people out there I can see as I looked in Google the one day it had three complaints the next time I looked they had to so they paid them off to take their complaints away as a Christian I don't feel it's right to take my complaints away that others should know what's going on and should I have a chance to hire another firm and not be taken advantage of as I was Business Response /* (4000, 10, 2021/10/15) */ Our stance at Suncoast Law has not changed. I submitted responses on September 29,2021 and again October 13, 2021 and in both cases supporting emails showing that we were 100% willing to refund $300.00 to the client with a Settlement Agreement and the client refuses to settle. We are closing this dispute out as completed. Thank you Kirk ******* Director Consumer Response /* (4200, 12, 2021/10/19) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) They should give Me half My money Back not $300 out of $1750.00 what a scam $1450.00 for doing nothing they where paid to do make that $1750 because I didn't take there little$300.00 to pay Me off instead just bullied Me wanting Me to say I'm good with what they did and if I do take down my reviews then I get $300.00 and they scam the next person I feel like I was Robbed ty for Your help

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩