Warrant for Debt

[6cats]

I was asked to design a website. I met with the client (1 hour), took photos and send 2 preliminary drafts of designs. He paid me $50. Two weeks after our meeting, my daughter ended up in the hospital for 2 months and I dropped everything I was working on and took care of her. After she was discharged from the hospital, I was at home and got a letter from him stating that he had spoken with the state's attorney and I had to pay him the $50 plus $40 for "damages/income lost". I had a lot to catch up on so I just sent the $90. This was early this year. Yesterday I got a warrant to collect a debt from him for $90 and court costs. Looking over my records, he has never tendered the check I sent months ago. What should I do? We had no formal contract.

 

[justalayman]

I have no idea what your contract called for. Is there some reason he would be owed the $40? Is there really any reason he would be due the $50?

Unless he can justify the $90 or you simply want it to go away, I would tell him to take a hike. If you think he is due the $90 and you can prove you sent it to him, then show him that and tell him you will give him the $90 and he eats the costs.

If he wants to go all the way to court, I would fight him tooth and nail and make him prove his case.