In plain terms: we are not a law firm and we never promise you will get money back. Every engagement is defined in writing, with a fixed fee, before any work begins. You can cancel, and you pay only for work completed.
On this page
Who we are
These Terms govern your use of victimadvocacy.com and the services of Victim Advocacy Associates LLC (“Victim Advocacy Associates,” “we,” “us”). We provide case development support for matters involving fraud, financial abuse and fiduciary misconduct: organizing records, building chronologies and evidence indexes, summarizing losses, and preparing files for attorneys.
What we are not
- We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice. Nothing on this website or in our work is legal advice. Using our services does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.
- We do not perform work that requires a license we do not hold. Where a matter needs a licensed private investigator, accountant or other licensed professional, that work is performed by independent licensed professionals.
- We do not guarantee any outcome. We cannot promise that money will be recovered, that a case will be filed or won, or that an attorney will accept a matter.
- Our fees are never tied to the outcome of a case. We do not take a percentage of any recovery.
- We do not pay or accept referral fees to or from attorneys.
A warning about recovery scams: people who have lost money are often contacted by someone promising to get it back for an upfront fee. We will never contact you unsolicited, never promise recovery, and never ask for payment by gift card, wire transfer to an individual, or cryptocurrency.
How engagements work
Before any paid work begins, we provide a written engagement agreement describing the scope of work, the deliverables, the fee and the timeline. Work begins only after you sign it. If anything in an engagement agreement differs from these Terms, the engagement agreement controls.
Fees and payment
- Case Assessment: a fixed fee, stated before you engage us, covering an intake conversation, a review of a defined set of records, and a written memo.
- Case Build: a fixed fee quoted in writing based on the size of the record, which may be billed in stages.
- Counsel support: hourly or project rates agreed in writing with the engaging attorney.
The fee in your signed agreement is the fee you pay. We will not add charges without your written approval.
Cancellations and refunds
- Before work begins: you may cancel for a full refund of anything paid.
- Case Assessment: if you cancel after the intake conversation but before your written memo is delivered, we refund the fee less the time already spent, at the rate stated in your agreement. Once the memo is delivered, the assessment is complete and the fee is earned.
- Case Build: you may cancel at any time. You pay only for stages completed, and any prepaid amount for work not yet done is refunded.
- Our own cancellation: if we decide we cannot take on or continue your matter, we will tell you promptly and refund any amount paid for work not performed.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 14 days of cancellation. To cancel, contact us in writing at arpey@victimadvocacy.com.
Work engaged by attorneys
When an attorney engages us on behalf of a client, we work under that attorney’s direction, our fees are set in our agreement with the attorney, and the client’s written consent is obtained for our involvement and any fees passed through as case costs. Our work product is delivered to the engaging attorney.
Your responsibilities
- Provide information that is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.
- Share only records you have the right to share.
- Keep your own copies of original documents.
- Seek legal advice from a licensed attorney for legal decisions, including deadlines that may apply to your claims.
Using this website
The website is provided for general information. Articles and resources are educational and are not legal or financial advice. Please do not use the site to send sensitive personal or financial information. The design, text and graphics on this site belong to Victim Advocacy Associates and may not be copied for commercial use without permission.
Disclaimers and limits
We perform our services with professional care. To the fullest extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claim relating to our services is limited to the fees you paid us for the services giving rise to the claim. Nothing in these Terms limits any right you have that cannot be limited under applicable law.
Disputes and governing law
If you have a concern, please contact us first; most issues can be resolved quickly and directly. These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any dispute may be brought in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and either party may bring a qualifying claim in small claims court.
Changes and contact
We may update these Terms by posting a new version here. Changes do not affect engagements already under a signed agreement.
Victim Advocacy Associates LLC
Email: arpey@victimadvocacy.com
Mail: P.O. Box 281, Colleyville, Texas 76034