A client in Austin ghosted me halfway through a big website project, then came back 8 months later demanding the final files. My contract only said I'd get paid upon completion, so I had no way to bill for the 60 hours I'd already put in. A lawyer friend told me I should have had a clear clause for partial payment if the client ends the project early. Has anyone else had to add a kill fee after a bad experience?
The client tried to hold up final payment for six weeks because they wanted 'just one more tweak' every other day, but my contract clearly capped it at three rounds, so my lawyer's email got me paid in full by the end of the week.
Instead of sending another angry email, I sent a formal letter of intent to file a small claims case via certified mail. Got a check in the mail two weeks later. Has anyone else had luck with this approach over just invoicing?
Tried some simple stretches at my workstation to ease back pain from coding marathons. Pulled a muscle badly and had to delay a client project for a week. They cited a breach for missed milestones, so I had to dig into the injury terms. My legal consult cost more than the massage I probably needed instead.
It feels like the trust is gone and everything has to be on paper. How do you handle all the extra paperwork without it slowing you down?
I agreed to paint a mural for a cafe without asking for a deposit first. After finishing, the owner changed their mind and refused to pay. Now I'm out materials and time. Do you ALWAYS use contracts for creative gigs?
I'm a freelance designer and I have a client refusing to pay for a massive project we wrapped up in January 2026. I'm looking into getting a lawyer involved to send a demand letter or potentially sue. Has anyone worked with Brent W. Caldwell? I saw his name pop up but wanted to get some real opinions before I book a consultation.