ComplaintsforHarris-Courage PLLC Solutions

• Initial Complaint

  01/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I contacted the firm back in July to start the process of bankruptcy. I got served divorce papers in December, so I decided I wanted to hold off until after the divorce. Every single time I have called for the past couple months I either get disconnected or left on hold for hours. I asked multiple times to talk to the lawyer and was never able to. I was inquiring about the next steps. I have called 4 times within the past couple days and finally got an answer back, The attorney called me back and kept saying she doesn't understand why I wanted to terminate my services. Every question I asked her she wasn't able to give me an answer and took long pauses like she was looking up what to say. At the end of the conversation she said per our retainer agreement it says the first $350 is non refundable and the rest of my $1350 couldn't be refunded to my card that has been on file. I cant find anywhere in the agreement where it says the first $350 was non refundable. The firm has done nothing to earn any of the money and they only have my drivers license and no other information. She said they are going to send me a check in the mail. I just don't quite understand what is going on. All i am asking for my total back that i spent for work that wasn't completed! I am unsure if this is a real law firm and has led me in the direction that this is fraudulent. I just wanted to make someone aware of this so it doesn't happen to someone else.

  

  Business response

  01/18/2024

  I love helping people get out of debt.  I was profoundly saddened hearing that my client did not want to move forward with getting this relief.  I am also saddened by the fact that she had so much trouble getting a hold of us.   I have talked with my staff that this is not acceptable.  We are implementing changes as a result of this complaint.  Although our agreement does provide that first $350 is non-refundable (see paragraph 37), I have decided to refund this amount as well.  I switched credit card service providers in December and was unable to refund the money on the card, but I did send out the $1,350 by priority mail and will be sending the other $350 back today as well.   I truly wish the client the very best for the future.

  Customer response

  01/19/2024

  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *******
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I hired Harris-Courage LLC on recommendation of a colleague to assist me with a bankruptcy filing around 9/2022. I was given a deadline of 11/1/2022 to have my information in which I met, but Laura Harris-Courage kinda of massively dropped the ball costing me an absolute fortune. The process continues, and I have no clear date to file. I had asked for a refund a while back because I lost confidence in the practice’s ability to accurately serve my needs, but was told she “incurred considerable expenses.” I’m thinking she may not understand the expenses I’m incurring. I’ve asked several questions by email which is my preferred method of contact. I work nights so it’s convenient, and maintains a record of what was said should I forget. I often receive no response. My last communication was asking, again, when we can file. I was told by a paralegal that they just need my paystubs unless my file isn’t accurate. I told Laura I would give them my paystubs all at once when we go to file since sending weekly stubs is annoying and daunting. I would have no idea what is in my file as nobody will talk to me. I’ve asked for in-person meetings, video calls, or even a phone call. Nothing. My last email to them was on 10/10/2023 advising them to be transparent with me or I would be taking my business elsewhere, and contemplate litigation. No response. I just want a refund so I can retain a new attorney. Her costs are not my concern as this should have been completed nearly a year ago. I mentioned this also pertained to a medical situation. I have a rather dreadful case of PTSD which has been greatly exacerbated by this stress.

  

  Business response

  10/27/2023

  First, I apologize that I did not respond as quickly as I should have to your requests and questions.  I have hired a new paralegal, so I can better respond the clients' requests and questions.  However, training the new paralegal took valuable time and did distract my attention.  I promise you that I have always wanted the best outcome for you.  The process of filing bankruptcy is a team effort between the client and the law firm.  I cannot file a case without all of the documents I need and I don't have access to some of these documents.  I know you were working hard to get us documents and you did provide a lot of documents.  However, in our retainer agreement, we outlined, on page 9, the documents which were required to file your case. For example, we needed 7 months of paystubs and you provided your current employment paystubs but not the paystubs from a prior employer.  I can appreciate that getting those paystubs is difficult and you probably didn't have the time you needed to get them.  Also, you needed to take a Credit Counseling Course before we could file your case and the retainer agreement provided instructions on how to take the course.  Without this course, your bankruptcy case would be immediately dismissed.  You had not yet taken that course before the end of November.  My records show at least 18 different times we communicated (or tried to communicate) with you during the month of November to try to get the case filed.  After November, I did recommend waiting to file a bankruptcy.  Later, I did recommend waiting again. Since I don't have all your documents, I cannot say if now is a good time to file your case or not.  It is better for me and my firm to file cases as soon as possible but I try to do what is in my client's best interest and not just my best interest.  I really want to make sure the bankruptcies I file have a successful outcome.  I have spent a great deal of time on your case and have paid for some expenses related to your case and normally I deduct these from the fees paid by a client.

  However, I am going to provide a full refund in your case.  I wish you the best for the future.

  Customer response

  10/30/2023

  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. 
  
  Regards,
  ******** *********
  
  
  
  
  

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