Questions & Answers
How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services?
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Dear questioner,
You can send a formal legal notice to demand the outstanding amount. If payment is not made, you can file a civil lawsuit to claim the dues and take the necessary enforcement actions.
If there is a bounced check, a criminal complaint can be filed. It is advisable to review the contract and documents to determine the most appropriate legal action.
We can assist you in the legal procedures for filing the case to ensure proper compliance.
Mohamed Salah Shoeib
Legal Consultant
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out!
If a client refuses to pay for services rendered, you have legal options to recover your dues. These may include sending a formal legal notice, pursuing a claim through the appropriate legal channels, or enforcing contractual obligations.
For a tailored legal strategy based on your specific case, we recommend booking a consultation through our website or contacting our office directly.
Our legal team is ready to assist you in taking the necessary steps to protect your rights.
Best regards,
In case the client fails to pay for the services provided, there are legal steps we can take to protect our rights:
1. Review the contract or prior agreement:
Ensure there is a written contract that outlines the terms of service, pricing, payment method, and due dates.
If there are clauses indicating the legal consequences of non-payment, the client should be reminded of them.
2. Send an official notice:
We can send a legal notice (warning or official letter from us based on the agency that will be granted to us) informing the client that non-payment exposes her to legal accountability.
We will specify the outstanding amount, the payment due date, and the legal consequences she will face if the amount is not paid (such as legal action or pursuing further legal measures).
I understand the frustration of dealing with a client who refuses to pay after utilizing your consulting services. Legally, you have several options to recover your dues.
First, if you have a written agreement, invoice, or any communication proving the service was provided and payment was due, we can issue a formal legal demand notice requiring immediate payment.
If the client still refuses to pay, we can escalate the matter by filing a civil claim to recover the outstanding amount, along with potential penalties and legal costs.
To proceed effectively, I need to review your contract, invoices, and any relevant correspondence.
Please reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone so we can discuss the best legal course of action.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Dear Valued Client,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your situation with a non-paying client!
Below is a professional outline of the legal steps you can take to recover your outstanding payment under UAE law:
1. Attempt Amicable Settlement:
a. Before initiating legal action, UAE law encourages resolving disputes amicably.
b. Send a formal demand letter through a UAE-licensed lawyer, clearly stating the amount owed, the services provided, and a firm deadline for payment (e.g., 7 to 14 days).
c. This step demonstrates good faith and provides the client with a final opportunity to settle the matter without legal escalation.
2. Issuance of Legal Demand Notice:
a. If the client does not respond to your reminders or the demand letter, proceed with issuing an official legal notice.
b. This notice should emphasize the potential legal consequences if payment is not made within the stipulated timeframe.
3. Filing a Case in UAE Courts:
If amicable efforts fail, you can file a civil case in the UAE courts. The process involves:
a. Engaging a UAE-based lawyer: A licensed legal representative is required to file cases in UAE courts.
b. Submitting Evidence: Provide all relevant documentation, including:
- Invoices or proof of services rendered,
- Correspondence showing attempts to recover payment,
- Any agreements or contracts signed with the client,
- The case will be reviewed by the court, and both parties will present their arguments before a ruling is issued.
4. Payment Order Proceedings:
For clear-cut cases involving unpaid invoices with no dispute over services provided, you may consider filing for a payment order:
- This is an expedited process where the court issues a decision within three working days of submission.
- The debtor has 15 days to appeal; otherwise, immediate enforcement applies.
- Costs for this procedure are typically capped at AED 40,000 or 6% of the claim amount.
5. Costs and Timeframe:
- Legal costs will vary depending on the complexity of your case and your lawyer’s fees.
- Simple cases (e.g., payment orders) can be resolved in as little as 2–3 months, while more complex disputes may take longer.
6. Alternative Options:
- If you prefer not to pursue litigation, consider engaging a debt collection agency. These agencies specialize in recovering unpaid debts but may charge commissions on recovered amounts.
- If your contract includes an arbitration clause, disputes must be resolved through arbitration rather than court proceedings.
7. Recommendations:
- Review your contract for any dispute resolution clauses (e.g., arbitration or court jurisdiction).
- Engage a UAE-licensed lawyer to issue a formal demand letter and assess whether litigation or arbitration is appropriate.
- Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate to strengthen your case.
Should you require further assistance or wish to proceed with any of these steps, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you recover what is rightfully owed.
Yours sincerely,
ABDUL WAHIED
The first step is to establish a clear contractual obligation. Even if it was an online interaction, any written communication, such as emails, messages, or documented online agreements, can serve as evidence of a contract.
If you have a valid contract and evidence of the services provided, you can pursue a civil claim to recover the owed amount.
Before initiating procedures in the court, we will send a formal demand letter to the client, clearly stating the amount owed and the deadline for payment.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
Dear Questioner,
In the UAE, if a client refuses to pay for services rendered, you can take the following steps:
- Send a Formal Demand Letter:
Create a formal letter outlining the services provided, the payment due, and a deadline for payment.
- Mediation:
Consider mediation as a first step. The UAE has legal frameworks for mediating disputes.
- File a Claim:
If the payment is still not made, you can file a claim in the relevant court. Ensure you have documentation of the services provided and communication with the client.
It's important to act promptly and maintain all records of correspondence with the client.
