Home>Levelset Community>Legal Help>What can I get paid when I'm a licensed electrical contractor and I did not began job with a 20 day pelimanary notice job is payment is due over 3 months ago for $6500 I'm will to lower price to get paid can I take client to civil court to at least get something this was a verbal contacting do I have any type of way i can get paid.

What can I get paid when I'm a licensed electrical contractor and I did not began job with a 20 day pelimanary notice job is payment is due over 3 months ago for $6500 I'm will to lower price to get paid can I take client to civil court to at least get something this was a verbal contacting do I have any type of way i can get paid.

ArizonaRecovery Options

Finished a electrical kitchen remodel that was for $6500 once job was done client said she need more outlets under the counter top but had to install counter top first that been 3 months ago and she saying she has not install counter tops when she does answer her phone but try now to avoid me because she does not want to pay how can I get some money back for work in have done I try to negotiate that if she pays me half I will just let's this go is take her to civil court a opinion or do I have any opinion at all.

1 reply

Jul 30, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. First, because preliminary notice was not sent, the ability to file a valid mechanics lien will likely not be available. You can read more about that idea here: Do I Need to Send Preliminary Notice in Arizona? However, that does not mean a claimant cannot leverage the threat of a mechanics lien to secure payment. Sending a document like a Notice of Intent to Lien can go a long way toward payment. This document states that, if payment isn't made, the property will be liened - it's a lot like a warning shot. Because a mechanics lien is such a drastic remedy, typically, an owner will not be willing to call a claimant's bluff, and the Notice of Intent to Lien can spur discussions or negotiations leading to payment. Ultimately, if a Notice of Intent to Lien doesn't work, a claimant will still be able to pursue other methods of recovery. Another option may be to send a demand letter, demanding that unless payment is made legal action will be taken. If that doesn't work, sending additional demand letters via an attorney can often provide more "umph". Anyway, if legal action does become necessary, small claims court may be an option. While Arizona small claims courts may only hear cases up to $3,500 - "Justice Courts" - which are available in every county, have the ability to hear cases where the amount in dispute is $10,000 or less. For more on Justice Courts, try azcourts.gov. Of course, full blown litigation will also be an option. Of course, litigation is typically a last resort due to the time and cost of the endeavor - so exhausting other options, including demand letters and threats of specific legal actions is usually a preferable option for claimants.

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