ComplaintsforThe Semrad Law Firm, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I received an email on May 3, 2024 from Semrad Law Firm regarding a collection from Speedy Cash an affiliate for Advance America. It was very threatening and stated they would prosecute me and send the information to my employer who then would garnish my wages. I never received anything in writing making this an official notice.

  

  Business response

  05/21/2024

  Hello, 
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We take such concerns very seriously. Please allow us to address your complaint.
  Firstly, we want to clarify that The Semrad Law Firm is a bankruptcy law firm and does not engage in collection activities. We did not send the email you described, nor do we send threatening communications to individuals regarding debt collections or wage garnishments.
  It appears that you have received a fraudulent email from an entity misrepresenting themselves as our firm. We strongly advise you to disregard any such communication and not to provide any personal information or payment to the sender.
  For your protection, we recommend the following steps:
  Report the email to your email provider as phishing or spam.
  File a complaint with the ************************ (FTC) at www.ftc.gov.
  Monitor your credit report for any unauthorized activities and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if necessary.
  We deeply regret any distress this fraudulent email has caused you. Should you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office directly.
  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

  Customer response

  05/21/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  04/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 4:56am I received an email from ************************************* stating that I have an outstanding balance from a previous bankruptcy case filed through Debt Stoppers. There was a pdf file attached with my full name, address, bankruptcy case number and the amount of payment I was making to the company. This case is over 2 years old and payment has since been complete to Debt Stoppers. I attempted to contact Debt Stoppers at ************, the number that was advertised on their website at 9:50am. The automated system stated that I could hang up and I would receive a call back so I ended the call. At 2:39pm the same day phone number ************ called me back. They asked for my name and last 4 of my social security number. I asked them why are they reaching out for payment after payment was completed 2 years ago then the representative kept stating youre breaking up, can you hear me okay? I ended the call and they called back but I didnt answer. I attempted to reach out to debt stoppers April 25, 2024 at 9:26am at **************, a number I had in a previous email from ************************* from Semard Law who assisted me with my previous case. No one answered and I ended the call. A number called me back at the same number at 10:04am and asked for my name and the last four digits of my social security number. She then stated that they dont have access to that information but it does show I owe and someone else would be giving me a call back regarding it. I ended the call and since then I have received emails and phone calls from spam risks impersonating Debt Stoppers and The Semrad Law Firm. Friday, April 26, 2024 at 8:04am phone number ************ called, left a voicemail and text messaged me claiming to be affiliated with The Semard Law Firm suggesting me to contact them. They also emailed me at *************************************** suggesting the same. I am concerned that Debt Stoppers and Semrads ***************** has been compromised.

  

  Business response

  05/21/2024

  Dear ********************************,
  We have received your complaint submitted to the Better Business Bureau regarding service issues and your concerns about an outstanding balance from your previous bankruptcy case (Case No. 22-06306). We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns.
  After thoroughly reviewing our records, we confirm that there is indeed an outstanding balance of $175 from your 2022 case. This balance remains unpaid, which is why you received the recent communication from us.
  Regarding the concerns you raised in your complaint:
  Authenticity of Communication: The email you received from ************************************* is legitimate and was sent as part of our standard collection process for defaulted payments. The attachment included necessary details to help you identify the case in question.
  Contact Attempts: We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced while trying to reach us. It appears there was a breakdown in communication, and we regret the frustration this caused. Our Accounts Receivable team did attempt to contact you to discuss the outstanding balance. Their communications were genuine and part of our effort to resolve this matter.
  Security Concerns: We understand your concern about potential compromises to our communication channels. Please be assured that all communications from our team are secure. Any contact you received from numbers not officially associated with The Semrad Law Firm should be disregarded. For your security, only respond to the contact information provided on our official website or previously verified correspondence.
  We sincerely regret any confusion or concern caused by this situation. Our goal is to ensure clear and secure communication with our clients. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please contact our main office number at ************.
  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in resolving this matter.
  Best regards,

• Initial Complaint

  01/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Semrad has failed to represent me and look out for my best interest. Semrad had failed to properly communicate,address, and respond in a timely manner to issues and or concerns regarding my case. They have failed to forward me important documents regarding my case in a timely manner or at all, and they have failed in doing their due diligence to see that the issue is resolved. I am in an active bankruptcy and have reached out to Semrad on several occasions via phone and email stating that I have not received any mortgage statements from them since May 1, 2023. I have asked Semrad to assist in the matter by forwarding me the statements. Semrad has not complied. Since I am in an active bankruptcy, I can't contact the lender on my behalf. Semrad is aware of this and they have not even tried to assist in any way to resolve the issue. Semrad's representatives has not shown any interest or concern for me as a consumer of their services. Their lackluster approach to how they treat their customer is very disappointing and unfair especially since they have been paid in full. Their inability to competently represent me as their client has cost me thousands of dollars. I would like the BBB see to that Semrad do their job and get the mortgage statements from 06/01/2023 to the current one.

  

  Business response

  02/02/2024

  To Whom it may concern:
  
  I have received your complaint through the Better Business Bureau regarding the customer service issues Ms. ***********;has experienced. I understand that Ms. ***********;has stated it is very difficult to obtain any information on his case and that she has not received a response back to any of her email requests. I also see that another concern from **************** is about professionalism and getting updated information about the issue with her mortgage company.
  
  Also, I have had an opportunity to review ******************** Bankruptcy case. I want to address the issue of communication with our firm. 
  On 10/04/23 we have received an e-mail from **************** regarding the fact that she is not receiving any mortgage statements from her mortgage company regarding her payment status. We have sent an e-mail on the same day to Selene ******* with an authorization letter, giving consent to the company to be mailing the statements directly to her by mail, and **************** has been included in the e-mail correspondence. We also sent an additional e-mail to her on the same day, to let her know that we have reached out to Selene ******* with the letter as an attachment, and she is included in the chain. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I filed with debtstoppers August 2022. My case continues to not be confirmed every two weeks. I need the case to be confirmed and not continued. I need them to call me. No response when I call and email. The only reason I know it's being continued is because a car dealership is nice enough to look my case up and give me court dates as well as what happened when they went to court.Today I received email correspondence from my HR department stating that debtstoppers will no longer take the money directly from payroll but I need to mail the $1000 to Trustee directly beginning December 2023. Why did this occur? When I speak to other law firms I'm told that I'm going to be messed around and no phone calls or emails explaining and for me to run away.

  

  Business response

  11/17/2023

  Client filed her bankruptcy with The Semrad Law Firm in June of this year.
  She changed jobs during the case, went through an eviction proceeding, and changed her mind multiple times as to whether or not she wanted to keep her currently broken vehicle. She refused to sign off on her new budget because it included the fact that she wanted to buy a new vehicle and get rid of her old car. Her case will be confirmed on the 29th if she just signs off on the re-corrected budget that was sent to her.

• Initial Complaint

  10/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company keeps sending me letter claing they are taking me to court i am sick with colon cancer and do not need the stress caused by these letters.

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  This company is defrauding customers. I filed bankruptcy under the company name debt stoppers now that the company has a new name it's been very difficult for me to get information regarding my case, the company has refused to reply back to any of my email requests I don't have information regarding my case. I haven't received any educate regarding the bankruptcy. The people that work for this company is very rude and nasty. I would like for someone from the office to contract me or issue a refund and close the case and i go elsewhere to refile.

  

  Business response

  09/13/2023

  ************** met with our firm and filed a bankruptcy on March 31, 2023.    During the tenure of his case,  ************** was contacted numerous times ranging from sending him his basic bankruptcy information to responding to his email questions about his case, his vehicle,requesting and sending him information about the fresh start program, sending the notice of filing to his creditors as well as amending and adding additional creditors and motions being filed in his case, questions regarding his debt owed to the ****   We made sure that his vehicle as accurately taken care of, handled his 341 and made sure his debtor education certificate was filed to ensure that he would receive his discharge.  His case was successfully discharged on  July 11th and closed September 11,2023.  Again, much of this was done from email and phone call communications.
  
  Unfortunately, ************** began to not pay his attorney fees and despite this we continued to assist him in all the above matters.  We made numerous attempts to contact him regarding his payment.  He was unhappy with our requests that he pay his attorney fees to continue to receive legal help after his discharge was entered.  He continues to say we have not responded to his attempts to contact us, however, we have all emails he sent saved as well as responses in our system.

  Customer response

  09/14/2023

   
  Complaint: 20572173
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

   

  i have attached photo copies of the corresponding emails between myself and the paralegal team; the attorney may have attempted to contract me, the phone had the wrong number on file for me and even after updating them with the correct number I never received a phone call, i missed one payments, so when the company say payments thats a lie, I was and have only been behind on one payments, and to say I start making complaints after I stopped is false information and my emails would show that I have more, but this system would only allow five attachments, I filed under the company name debt stoppers no one informed me from this company that a new company would be handling my case. 

  

  Business response

  11/30/2023

  To Whom it may concern:

   

  I have received your complaint through the Better Business Bureau regarding the customer service issues ************** has experienced. I understand that ************** has stated it is very difficult to obtain any information on his case and that he has not received a response back to any of his email requests. I also see that another concern from ************** is about professionalism and getting additional education about his bankruptcy case.

   

  Also, I have had an opportunity to review ************** bankruptcy case and his response. I want to address the issue of communication with our firm. I do see that our office was in communication and responded regarding issues of the vehicle, the Fresh Start program, adding in additional creditors and sending the bankruptcy notice to creditors on the case. After the discussion of these issues, I do see further communication with our ****************************** pertaining to making payments on the bankruptcy case or asking for additional time to make a payment. Next, I will address the issue stating a new company would be handling the case. There is only one firm that handled the case from the time it was filed until it was discharged. There was no other law-firm that took over the case at any time during the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.

   

  I apologize for any miscommunication that has transpired during the handling of the case. I genuinely value our clients' feedback and your satisfaction with our services. I would like to go over ************** case in detail, address any issues, and determine areas where we can serve our client better. I would like to hold an in person or over the phone meeting, whichever is more convenient for **************. Please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss further, my direct number is ************ and my email is *************************************. Thank you for entrusting us with your case, and I look forward to addressing your concerns promptly.

   

   

   

  *************************

  Customer response

  11/30/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I filed for bankruptcy the beginning of this year with debt stoppers and at first getting on board I was provided the best customer service. When I called I got an answer and they answered all my questions. Now that Im an official customer I cant get no one on the phone. I get voice mail and no call backs. They will call me if I miss a payment to threatening to dismiss my case. I dont have steady income anymore and Im no longer working and my monthly payments have actually increased. I asked why my payments increased and they told me that they are in their rights to do that. I been calling and calling because theyre threatening to dismiss my case and I cant get any one on the phone so I can discuss it.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2023

  "******************* case was filed on February 21, 2023. We have been in consistent contact with her, leaving voicemails and sending emails the entire period since her case has been filed. At this point in time, she is three payments behind on her Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, which requires monthly payments to a bankruptcy trustee, a third-party entity appointed by the U.S. ********** of ******* to oversee and manage the funds in these cases. Since she is behind, the bankruptcy trustee has filed a motion to dismiss her case on 8/3/23 for failure to make plan payments, which is a normal and expected result given the circumstances.
  
  The attorney handling her case, ***************************, recently spoke with her on August 1st when she told him that she was not employed anymore, and that **** was her primary source of income. He advised her that this would be fine, she needed to send him statements for her income with **** so he could provide them to the trustee and file an amended budget in her case. She has not yet sent him any documentation. **************** has ******************************* email address and direct phone line due to multiple calls with him regarding the case, yet he has not recently received a voicemail or email from her. His paralegal, *****, also has not recently received any missed calls or emails from her as well.
  
  Regarding her payment increase, the Chapter 13 bankruptcies are only permitted to last 60 months. Therefore, the minimum payment must pay the entire amount required within that amount of time. ******************** plan payment at filing was set at $625.00 monthly, it has since needed to increase to $675.00 monthly to keep the case within that required 60-month period. This is due to ************ Credit objecting to confirmation of the Chapter **************************************************************************** the original plan. These issues are extremely common when dealing with secured debts in a Chapter 13 case.
  
  At this point however, the onus is on the Debtor, ****************, to make her monthly plan payments to avoid having the case dismissed. There is no one at our firm that desires or would benefit from her dismissal, but the bankruptcy code requires monthly payments to the trustee and if those are not made then there is nothing we can do to prevent dismissal."
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy with this firm in 2021. I agreed to a 3 year repayment plan that included payroll deductions for an amount sought out by this firm to successfully repay past debt. In April of 2023 I received a notice from the courts that my case was being dismissed due to lack of payment, although I had been paying consecutively since 2021 through payroll deductions. Debt stoppers attorneys failed to file the appropriate paperwork for the garnishment amount to be sufficient for the trustee. The amount I was paying was not the correct amount and debt stoppers never notified me of any mishaps. Instead they lied and said it was my employer who wasnt taking the right amount. Upon verification through the wage garnishment department, it was concluded that debt stoppers never submitted and amendment until after I notified them of the dismissal 2 years into the case.. my case was dismissed and after paying $10,000 into this case, the only person paid in full was debt stoppers. I still owe every creditor. Im forced to re file my case and Im out of another $2000 and 2 years of time has passed and I start back over from scratch.. between the switching of attorneys, mishandling of crucial paperwork and flat out lies, something has to be done. Im not the first and Im sure Im not the last victim to their scams please help

  

  Business response

  08/18/2023

  Debtor's payments were increased from $400 to $515 to get case confirmed. Her employer was only making payments of $369.24 each month. Despite a new PRC for the increased amount not being filed, her employer was not pulling the correct amount each month, per the filed PRC order. This caused a default to accrue. Debtors are always told to monitor their check stubs and if deductions are not coming out or are not making the full payment, they need to make direct payments to ensure full monthly payments are made. The **************** has no receipts of any direct payments made in this case.
  
  When the Motion to Dismiss was filed for the accrued default, we filed a Motion to Modify the plan to defer the default. However, due to the time left in the case, to defer required a small increase in payments. Debtor approved the increase. We filed the motion. The Trustee objected to our motion on the grounds that ****** failed to provide a good faith plan payment, which is required for all Motions to Modify, and objected to a few of her expenses claimed in her amended Schedule ** We are able to get the Judge to overrule on some of the objections,but the Judge refused to overrule the Trustee's objection to the car expenses that Debtor was paying for on a vehicle that was not in her name. Due to this,in order to get our Motion granted, the payment had to increase more due to the removal of the unapproved expense. Debtor refused this new payment increase and again failed to make the required good faith plan payment.  ****** informed us she would rather take dismissal. So we withdrew the Motion to Modify her plan and the case was dismissed.
  
  As for creditors' pay,Secured Creditors, Priority Creditors, and Trustee Fees are paid first under every bankruptcy plan. Attorney fees are paid alongside Secured Creditors. The Trustee collects Debtor's payments and disburses the payments to all creditors,including to attorneys for their fees. ****** had two secured creditors paid under her plan. Her monthly payments were split between the two secured creditors, the trustee fee, and our fees. Once the Trustee completed paying us our fees, the Trustee started payments on her priority debt to the state, in additional to the secured creditor payments and the Trustee fee that were still being paid. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************
  Associate Attorney
  The Semrad Law Firm, LLC
  *****************************************************************
  Phone : **************
  Fax: ************** 
  Email: ************************************** 
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Ive been trying to reach my attorney at this law firm for weeks with no one answering the phone nor able to get a call back. Every time I call Im on hold for over an hour with the call going to a VM. Very unprofessional

• Initial Complaint

  06/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My ongoing encounter with attorney *********************** and the Semrad Law Firm has been nothing short of a nightmare. I feel compelled to share my experience to warn others about the utterly appalling services provided by this firm. From their abysmal communication practices to their blatant disregard for clients' well-being, it is evident that their primary concern is solely focused on extracting money rather than providing competent legal representation.1. Inaccessible Communication Channels:Attempting to reach anyone at the Semrad Law Firm, particularly ***********************, has been an exercise in futility. Their phone lines are seemingly permanently engaged, leaving clients stranded and unable to obtain even the simplest information or updates regarding their cases. The mere act of updating contact information is excruciating as emails are consistently ignored. As of today, the court still is not aware of my current mailing address, and I do not receive any communications from the court because of this.2. Negligence in Post-Case Support:Following the filing of my case and the court-ordered legal fees, I was left in a state of complete abandonment. The Semrad Law Firm displayed a shocking lack of interest in providing basic information. Everything I have learned about the bankruptcy process has come from ****** and NOT my attorney.3. Money-Driven Attitude:It became abundantly clear that the primary motive of *********************** and the Semrad Law Firm is financial gain, rather than genuinely helping their clients. The firm operates as a bankruptcy mill, where the sole focus lies on churning out cases as quickly as possible, without any regard for the individual needs and circumstances of their clients. The lack of personalized attention and care raises serious ethical concerns.I strongly advise anyone in need of legal services to steer clear of this firm, as their practices are not only unprofessional but also potentially detrimental.

  

  Business response

  07/17/2023

  Thank you for submitting your feedback.  I'm sorry that your experience with DebtStoppers has not yet met your expectations.

   

  Our ******* office has had a change in management, followed by several changes of staffing. I cannot include specifics about your case here, but it does appear that you were directly affected by these changes.  

   

  I reached out today to discuss your case and I left a voicemail.  I have also sent you an email with my complete contact information and that of your paralegal for your case. Please do not hesitate to email us at any time.

   

  Regarding, generally, the notices from the court, if you have not already I would encourage you to make an account with the ******************** at www.ndc.org to be able to track funding for and receive notices about your case online.

*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. ↩