Robbery of the Estate - Olsen Law Group - Orlando, Fl
Olsen Law Group - Orlando, Florida
Notice of Experience: Chris Merrill (Christine Ann Seachrist-Merrill) / Olsen Law Group
This statement serves as a formal account of my profoundly disappointing experience with Olsen Law Group, Orlando, Fl, intended to assist other families in making informed decisions regarding legal representation.
Despite an initial outward appearance of competence, the firm’s performance has been characterized by a lack of transparency and technical failure. Specifically:
1. Billing Irregularities: The firm has failed to produce itemized billing for more than $12,000 in fees charged to an 88-year-old client.
2. Statutory Errors: The firm drafted a Power of Attorney that was legally insufficient and subsequently rejected by Bank of America for failing to comply with State Statutes.
3. Lack of Accountability: Rather than correcting the error, the firm engaged in deflection and blame-shifting.
4. Non-Performance: Paid services remain outstanding, and the firm has consistently failed to respond to telephone, text, and email correspondence.
A lawyer’s integrity is measured by their work product and their transparency. Because this experience fell far below professional standards, a formal grievance with the Florida Bar is currently under review. I strongly advise prospective clients to look beyond the salesmanship and verify the firm's track record independently.
The Reality of "Slick" Senior Care Legal Pitches
It is incredibly frustrating when programs designed to help seniors are used as a "hook" for high-priced legal packages. A $12,000 price tag for a Medicaid Waiver application and a binder of documents is a staggering markup for a "free" benefit with so many strings attached.
These pitches operate like a classic Timeshare model. The "30-hour" break-even point is a mirage—a moving target you’ve been sold on seeing, but in reality, you won't ever truly reach.
The Anatomy of a Slick Sales Pitch
1. THE HOOK
• Senior Care: A "Free Booklet" on government benefits (Medicaid Waivers).
• Timeshare: A "Free Vacation" or "Gift Card."
2. THE URGENCY
• Senior Care: "Protect assets before it's too late!"
• Timeshare: "Today only pricing!"
3. THE COMPLEXITY
• Senior Care: Over-complicating documents available for low costs online to justify a $10,000+ fee.
• Timeshare: Over-complicating "points systems" to hide the true cost of ownership.
4. THE "FREE" PROMISE
• Senior Care: Promising 30 hours of weekly free care as a windfall.
• Timeshare: Promising "free" luxury vacations for life.
The "30-Hour" Break-Even Mirage
The claim that a $12,000 fee pays for itself in months is a deceptive illusion:
• Recouping vs. Winning: Even if you reach that "break-even" point, you haven't gained anything—you have simply finally recouped the $12,000 "investment" handed over to the Olsen Law Group. You are just getting back to zero.
• The Waitlist Reality: In Florida, the Medicaid Waiver is not an entitlement. You are essentially paying $12,000 for the chance to wait months or years on a prioritization list.
• The Funding Gap: The state rarely funds the full 30 hours immediately. If you are cleared for only 10 or 15 hours, your "break-even" timeline doubles or triples.
• The Robbery of the Estate: That $12,000 is a massive upfront commission that depletes the liquid cash needed for immediate private care. For many, the "break-even" point exceeds their remaining life expectancy.
Summary: Just like a Timeshare, these "Senior Care" packages sell a lifestyle dream to mask a financial liability. These firms aren't "standing guard" for seniors; they are gatekeeping information the state provides for free, charging a premium that "pre-robs" the estate. You aren't investing in your future; you're paying a $12,000 entry fee to chase a mirage.
March 30, 2026
Unprompted review