michelletx
Member
What is the name of your state? Texas
Hi, all! I'm glad I've found this site. I've been doing a bit of searching, but haven't found this problem addressed as of yet.
As simply as possibly--my DH and I are self-employed technical writers. We have done a fourth job for a client (who is also located in Texas, if that makes any difference, but in another city), and said client now refuses to pay the final balance on his invoice, as per his work agreement and as per the invoices sent to him.
Said client says he is refusing payment because we did not complete several forms on the project on which we were working for him. However, our work agreement (as did our previous work agreements with him) states that we do not complete such forms. Also, we did not complete similar forms or portions on the other three projects we did for him and for which he paid us in a timely manner.
For what it's worth, our work agreement form has been reviewed by and approved by a local attorney.
So, as the start to the small claims process, I have sent said client a certified letter, return receipt requested, demanding payment within 10 days of receipt of said letter (as per Texas law) or we would begin legal proceedings.
I checked on the status of delivery of this notice, and it seems he is refusing to accept the letter, and usps.com says while they will attempt re-delivery, if it is not accepted it will be returned to me.
So what are my legal choices if the client (or, I should say, former client) refuses to accept the certified notice?
Hi, all! I'm glad I've found this site. I've been doing a bit of searching, but haven't found this problem addressed as of yet.
As simply as possibly--my DH and I are self-employed technical writers. We have done a fourth job for a client (who is also located in Texas, if that makes any difference, but in another city), and said client now refuses to pay the final balance on his invoice, as per his work agreement and as per the invoices sent to him.
Said client says he is refusing payment because we did not complete several forms on the project on which we were working for him. However, our work agreement (as did our previous work agreements with him) states that we do not complete such forms. Also, we did not complete similar forms or portions on the other three projects we did for him and for which he paid us in a timely manner.
For what it's worth, our work agreement form has been reviewed by and approved by a local attorney.
So, as the start to the small claims process, I have sent said client a certified letter, return receipt requested, demanding payment within 10 days of receipt of said letter (as per Texas law) or we would begin legal proceedings.
I checked on the status of delivery of this notice, and it seems he is refusing to accept the letter, and usps.com says while they will attempt re-delivery, if it is not accepted it will be returned to me.
So what are my legal choices if the client (or, I should say, former client) refuses to accept the certified notice?