Q: Client refuses to pay me, emails solidifying work agreement & project scope, payment terms for a 3-month contract.
Entered into work project with client in July - contract ended on last day of September (this month). It was an open contract as far as deliverables, was helping him with marketing, sales, business development, and branding. He paid fully for one month, defaulted $500 second month, and refuses to pay third month saying he doesn't have the money - and threatening me that he will counter sue because I haven't turned in work (for which he hasn't paid me). We have emails acknowledging this work agreement, deliverables, fees, and expectations (as well as text messages). (1) - is my payment contingent on quality of work or fulfilling my duties?, and, (2) is he liable to pay me because of said contract? Also, I have damages now because due to his non-payment, I have defaulted on my apartment payment (lease) and now am at risk of losing my apartment.
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- New Jersey
- (973) 798-6131
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- Answered
A: You need to retain counsel to handle this matter. Do not say anything to this person and print out and bring everything to an attorney, who can advise you. No contract should be drafted by anyone other than a licensed attorney. The money you spend having an attorney draft a contract will save you many times the cost if there is a problem. Good luck.
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