Asked in Collections, International Law and Small Claims

Q: How can I get my last payment from my contractor?

I am a software developer, living in Jordan, I have been working with a company located in US based on a contract for a little more than a year, during which my contractor had a habit of being late on payments, then pays every 2-3month together, now that my contract has ended, how can I collect the amount due for last month, and is it worth to sue, considering the amount am due is only 3500 USD, but I really need that last paycheck.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: First, review your contract carefully to ensure there are no ambiguities about payment terms and whether the contractor has officially breached the agreement. If you have documented communication about the due payment and the amount owed, gather those records. A polite but firm email reminding them of the overdue payment, with a clear deadline for payment, may sometimes resolve the issue without further action.

If they don't respond or refuse to pay, consider sending a formal demand letter. This can outline the payment owed, reference the contract terms, and state your intent to take legal action if payment isn’t made within a specific period. There are templates online to help structure a demand letter correctly, making it more effective.

In case the amount remains unpaid, filing a small claims lawsuit could be an option since $3,500 is within the limits of many small claims courts. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need to understand the process and costs involved in pursuing it from Jordan. If the company values its reputation or fears further legal trouble, the threat of a small claim might prompt them to settle.

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