A Bit of Legal Direction

Hi T. - How unfortunate that a long working relationship has to end this way - I just dont understand how people think that if they avoid a situation, it will just go away. I'm not an attorney but I'll give you what I've learned from experience in these things.

You're first step should be to send them a letter, certified mail, itemizing exactly what they owe you and the date you expect payment by before pursuing legal action.
You might need to call and interview a couple of attorneys before you find a good fit. You might also consider one of those "prepaid legal" plans to keep the cost down. Otherwise, you will pay him hourly because mostly they will be helping you with the notifications and filings. This is very unlikely it will go to a jury or anything. The amount of the claim determines where your case should be filed - County Court/small claims or in District Court. I think in Colorado the amount is $10k.

As far as a filing a lien on their property - this can only be done if the work completed was attached or related to their property like architectural design, mechanical repair, construction, landscaping etc.

Have you shown up in person to collect? Or is that possible? I have had really good luck with this approach in the past. The approach is, in a friendly, almost artifically friendly way, "oh hi!! I am here to get my check... and I am not leaving until I get it... I'll just wait! Thanks!" and stay there.

T.: Colleen's advice about prepaid legal is right up there. it's very low cost and they take on things that are "already happening". they'll appear in court for you, etc. Call this lady and she can explain how it works. her name is Regina Lee ###-###-####. Good luck!

Hey there! I also do freelance work and although this may not help you in this case, I strongly urge you to sign-up for Pre-Paid Legal. They are awesome and it only costs us $15/mo. They help with contracts and really anything which is great. My marketing partner also uses them and not getting paid by clients is one main reason she has it.

Good luck!