What can I do when someone is not paying me for a job I completed?
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What can I do when someone is not paying me for a job I completed?
I was a freelance associate producer at an editorial company. I found a new job since then and haven’t worked there in 3 months. She still owes me for 2 invoices. I’ve sent 3 emails to her requesting payment (prefer to keep everything in writing). She promised to pay me 1 about 4 days ago. She hasn’t and she’s not responding to me. She needs to pay both my invoices. What can I do?
Asked on August 14, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You can sue her. You way you were a "freelancer," which means an independent contractor. An independent contractor is entitled to be paid for the work he/she did as per the agreement (written or oral) between him or her and the client/employer. If not paid, you can sue for breach of contract to recover the money. Depending on how much is at stake, a good option may be to sue in small claims court, where you can act as your own attorney (saving on legal fees).
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