POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Families say they are in shock and without thousands of dollars after the sudden closure of law offices in Polk County that specialized in helping senior citizens and their loved ones.
“It’s actually taking advantage of the most vulnerable,” said Leticia Labate, of Lakeland.
Labate’s mother, Esther Garcia, 91, has lived with her and her daughter’s husband in Lakeland for a few years.
Recently, Garcia fell and while in the hospital, suffered a stroke.
Labate decided she needed help getting around the clock care.
“One of the names that came up was Family Elder Law,” Labate said.
Bank records show a $4,500 payment from Garcia’s account to Family Elder Law on July 1.
A few weeks later, Labate went to the office to drop off paperwork and found it was closed.
“I picked up the phone and I called and my mouth dropped,” Labate said.
A message states due to unforeseen circumstances, Family Elder Law is in the process of closing.
“We understand that this news might come as a surprise and may cause some inconvenience,” it states.
Labate is working to get her mother’s documents back, but no word on the $4,500.
Labate said she had to take her 91-year old mother out of rehab Tuesday due to a diminishing bank account.
“To take money from the most vulnerable of people right up until the minute that you close the doors and then just not even notify them and just leave them out hanging, it’s despicable,” Labate said.
There is no sign of activity at the Lakeland office. Only a locked door and a dark room.
Another woman contacted 8 On Your Side saying she paid $5,000 for help with matters after her grandmother’s passing. She has not been reimbursed either, she said.
8 On Your Side reached out to the Florida Bar, which confirmed an investigation is underway into the attorney at Family Elder Law, Jason Penrod.
There is no word yet on any criminal investigation.
“I think that’s criminal behavior and it needs to be treated as such,” Labate said.
A spokesperson for the Florida Attorney General’s Office advised clients who feel they were harmed by lawyer misconduct to file complaints with the Florida Bar, “an official arm of the Florida Supreme Court and the entity with jurisdiction over attorney discipline in Florida.”
In an email, the law firm provides the following resources to clients, including the Florida Bar contact number (1-800-342-8011) and lawyers that can assist them:
The clients are reminded they are not obligated to hire the recommended attorneys.
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