Life is too short. I've been screwed by people who owed me money and let it fester.

Consider the money lost to be cheap tuition at the School of Life.

One other thing. The best way I've found to not let anger "harsh my karma" is to pray for those who deceitfully use me...

I just recently finished an eviction where I used an attorney who specializes in such things. The tenant was a pro who knew how to try and delay at every turn. At the end of it all, I had spent around $1400 in various legal fees, service, and court costs. The attorney is also a collection service, and pursues judgements for a 65/35 split. At the end of the garnishment, they file to amend the judgement to collect the 35%.

I take immense satisfaction in knowing that these guys will be chasing her for years. I'm not even all that concerned about the amount owed (>$6,000, after treble damages and all). I just love the idea that years into the future she will keep seeing wage garnishments showing up.

Just an observation...
We fuss about attorneys a lot, but when you get one that specializes in what he does and really knows the ins-and-outs of the system, it's like turning your dog loose on an ass-hat. It's good for the soul.

I'm a firm believer in Karma. She'll get hers, and you'll get yours.

One of the nice things about being a lawyer is that I don't have to hire one to chase someone down using every resource available. I know what they are and I can do it in my spare time.

If I wasn't a lawyer, I wouldn't bother over $161. It's going to cost you much more than that in time, money, and frustration to do it right.

On the other hand, if it's a matter of principle, you might be able to find an attorney that will handle it for you for a flat fee. Based on what you've told us here (about her doing the same thing to multiple people already), I'd probably feel sympathetic and quote you a flat $500 start to finish. We'd both be losing money at that rate, but some people just have to be dealt with.

Otherwise, JHE is correct.

-Rob

Is there any way for a small businessman to ding the credit history of a deadbeat customer. There may have to be some preparation at the time of starting the account to allow this (thinking of getting a signed release to check and report credit.) If anyone knows, what beyond that is necessary?

how big is the yard? Raise your rates, keep cutting her grass, write it off as marketing costs and put a sign in her front yard that has your mowing company on it.

If you dont care to mow in that area just write it off and let it go, i know easier said than done.

Nant have said it'll cost more to pursue than it's worth but aren't court fees won back in the case? I was told I could attach small claims filing fees to the total amount she owes.

is there a written contract some where?

quote:

Originally posted by 41:

quote:

If I didn't have to mow her neighbor I'd not think about it every week and get so pissed.

Just make sure you don't blow any weed seeds over into her yard when mowing the neighbors. Or your fertilizer spreader has a hiccup and throws a wad of fertilizer onto her lawn burning the grass or making it grow extremely fast.

Or Round Up. Make sure no Round Up gets sprayed on her lawn or landscaping.

I think most of the responses to op are spot on, in most cases from their own past experience. I too have found myself in this position. When I was younger, I found it difficult if not impossible for me to accept this lesson. It had to ocurr to me in much larger amounts for me to change how I conducted my business. One might say tuition to that school of hard knocks is high.

Go spread a shitload of grass killer in crazy patterns all over her lawn.
Then you can laugh every time you cut her neighbors lawn

What is your time worth to you?

Mechanics lean?

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
Nant have said it'll cost more to pursue than it's worth but aren't court fees won back in the case? I was told I could attach small claims filing fees to the total amount she owes.

Yes but consider this, after a judgement, you have a piece of legal paper that says, you won congratulations, pay the attorney fees, pay the court fees, and well that's it, nothing more.

You still have a debt but now it's a $800 debt, if she won't pay $161 what makes you think she'll pay the judgement.

You get the opportunity to file the judgement against her credit file, yep, you get the judgement which is a moral win, but you will be a few hundred lighter in the wallet.

I'm not saying don't do it, but when you add up the lawns you can't service spending hours at the court house, and then on phones with agency/attorney you loose a lot more.

Pride can be expensive, I'd just warn everyone else, take the tax deduction and move on, cost of doing business.

Help, you say?

We've known each other many years, but this is the first time you ever came to me for counsel or for help. I can't remember the last time that you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And, uh, you were afraid to be in my debt. I understand. You found paradise in America, you had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. You didn't need a friend like me. But, now you come to me, and you say: "Don Slabsides, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me Godfather.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
Nant have said it'll cost more to pursue than it's worth but aren't court fees won back in the case? I was told I could attach small claims filing fees to the total amount she owes.

Costs of court can be recovered, but you have to pay up front, and risk that the judgment is uncollectible.

How far can you go? As far as you want to. The question you may want to ask yourself is: is it worth the time, effort, risk and stress/frustration to win a judgment and collect on it too? There's no right or wrong answer, just the one that you are willing to live with.

Nant??? Is that even a word? Autocorrect thinks it's better than "many".

quote:

Originally posted by jcsabolt2:
Mechanics lean?

If you catch those bastards leaning, get them back to work.

An M&M lien is a possible option, depending on state law. The two questions to ask are concerning the time deadlines and whether this is lienable work. I bet it isn't in most places.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jhe888,

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
is there a written contract some where?

I don't think it matters.