Altadena, CA asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for California

Q: Can I collect a debt from out of state business that failed?

I worked as an expert witness through an agency (TASA Group). It collected funds due, took their agreed amount out, and forwarded payment to me. They apparently went out of business without telling anyone. It owes me nearly $4,000. It is based in Pennsylvania. What can I do to collect?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You can start by gathering all your records related to the payments and your agreement with TASA Group. This includes contracts, invoices, emails, and any correspondence that shows the amount owed to you.

Next, consider filing a claim in small claims court in Pennsylvania. Small claims courts handle disputes involving smaller amounts, and $4,000 typically falls within their limits. You'll need to file the necessary paperwork and possibly serve TASA Group with the court documents.

If the business is truly out of business, you might also want to check if they filed for bankruptcy. Additionally, reaching out to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State can help you verify the company’s status and find any available contact information. Consulting with a legal professional can provide further guidance tailored to your situation.

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