3 Things A Freelancer Might Need When Suing A Non-Paying Client In Another State
One of the great things about working as a freelancer is that it gives people the opportunity to work with clients from other states and even other countries. This is a great way for freelance writers, graphic designers and other professionals who work for themselves to market their services and share their work with others. However, working with people in faraway places does have its challenges. For example, if a client does not pay you, suing him or her for the money that is owed to you will probably be harder if he or she lives and works in another state. If this is something that you find yourself having to do, these are some of the things that you might need.
1. A Local Lawyer
Even if you have a great local lawyer who helps you with business-related matters, that lawyer probably isn't going to be able to represent you in another state. Even if he or she could, you're probably better off finding a lawyer who is local to the clients' area. This is because this lawyer will have a better understanding of the local laws that will probably apply to your case. Luckily, nowadays, it's usually pretty easy to find information about lawyers in different cities and states by looking for information online, and you may be able to have a consultation over the phone or through video chat.
2. Arrangements for Travel
You may be required to travel to the client's city for court. If this is true, then you're probably going to need to make arrangements for travel, such as a plane ticket and a hotel. Make sure that you keep track of these expenses. If you win your case, then the client might have to pay you for the expenses that you incurred when suing him or her, including your travel expenses. Make sure that you go over this with your lawyer to see if it might apply to your case.
3. A Court Cost Bond
In many states, you are required to put up a court cost bond. This guarantees that court costs will be paid. To avoid having to pay the entire court cost bond, which can hurt your budget -- particularly when you might already be spending money on legal fees and travel for your case -- you can use a surety bond company. Then, you'll only have to pay a percentage of the court cost bond in the form of a fee to the surety bond company.
For more information on court cost bonds, contact your local financing office.