If a customer refuses to pay for the goods or services that you provided to them in Georgia, there are several legal steps you can take to try and recover your money.
First, you should send a demand letter to the customer requesting payment for the outstanding debt. This letter should include an itemized list of the goods and services provided, when they were provided, and the total amount owed. You should also include a deadline for payment, typically within 30 days of receiving the letter.
If the customer still does not pay after receiving the demand letter, you may need to resort to legal action. In Georgia, you can file a lawsuit in small claims court for amounts up to $15,000. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive process that does not require an attorney. However, if the amount owed is more than $15,000, you may need to file a lawsuit in superior court and hire an attorney to represent you.
Assuming you have obtained a judgment in your favor, you can then start the collections process. This may involve garnishing the customer's wages, placing a lien on their property, or seizing their assets. However, it is important to note that there are certain exemptions that protect some of the customer's property, such as their primary residence or certain personal property.
In summary, if a customer refuses to pay for goods or services in Georgia, you should send a demand letter requesting payment and set a deadline for payment. If the customer still does not pay, you may need to file a lawsuit in small claims or superior court, depending on the amount owed. Once you have obtained a judgment, you can then start the collections process, but be aware that certain exemptions may apply.
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