In April 2024, my brother and I made an appointment with Scott Counsel at the suggestion of an Assisted Living facility. Our Dad had never been ill, but began a number of illnesses that no longer allowed him to remain in his home. We visited Senior AssistEd Living Homes and felt instead of dealing with his admittance to a home, selling his vehicle and home, dealing with application for possible veteran benefits, etc. we would seek an attorney's assistance. We met with who I would call the paralegal, went over the many different particulars regarding Dad and prior to leaving, we signed a Contract. The cost quoted was $16,000. The only funds available for a deposit at the time was $6,000. Thank goodness!! We terminated their contract prior to services being rendered and after a phone conversation and three letters, have NOT RECEIVED ANY AMOUNT OF REFUND!
On that day, the paralegal agreed to forward two letters to credit card companies with the Power of Attorney I had (which they had not prepared). This was a Friday afternoon. I left knowing on Monday I would have to transfer appropriate funds. On that same day we had also decided on an Assisted Living facility to place Dad. After conversations over the weekend with my brother and my husband, we decided we would handle this whole process on our own. Basically, my husband and I had previously done so with my father-in-law, but it had been some years prior.
I had emailed the Senior Living Home contract to them for review before I had to sign that Wed. At the same time, I received an email from the paralegal that said she had a family matter and would not be in for a week. She advised me who to email in the interim for assistance. I did get advice on the Senior Living contract, received clarification and signed it. I then prepared a letter releasing them of services. Upon receiving it the following Monday, I received a call from the paralegal informing me how disappointed she was with our decision. I advised her that we had been a bit overwhelmed when we met with her over all the decisions we had to make but that we were confident we would be fine. As well, the funds would be necessary for his care.
A week later, Justin Scott contacted me by phone to be sure there was nothing the firm had done wrong. I assured him they were fine. I informed him that I reviewed his firm's contract, and there was nothing that they had performed for us that would negate him refunding our deposit. I'd suggested that he bill hourly rate for letters sent and for 2 hrs of paralegal time, even though one hour was free consult, and for the review of the Senior Living Home contract. He said he would look over the file. NO WORD from him for 2 wks. I wrote a letter detailing our conversation. NO RESPONSE! Sent another letter indicating the breakdown of his contract and that nothing was performed for him not to refund our deposit. NO RESPONSE! Sent a third letter. NO RESPONSE! If this is the way he does business, SENIORS BEWARE!
I AM going to inform the Senior Living Home that referred him, NOT to use his firm. I will also be spreading the word at Dad's current Senior Living Home. As well, I'll be filing in Small Claims Court. It may be a pain to do so, but it's the point that Scott Counsel claim to assist seniors, but instead they take from them while not performing any services. As far as update on our Dad, he is now in Independent Senior Living, car sold, house sold, veterans forms filed and his medical care has been kept up with in order that he has the proper care necessary. At 91 yrs old, he is doing well. read more
