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What legal steps can I take if a customer hasn't paid their invoice in Ohio?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

If a customer hasn't paid their invoice in Ohio, the following legal steps can be taken:

  1. Contact the Debtor: Before taking any legal action, it’s advisable to first send reminders to the debtor. The reminders should contain the details of the debt owed and inform the debtor that legal action will be taken if they fail to pay. If the debtor responds to the reminder, a settlement agreement can be reached, and the debt can be paid off.
  2. Hire a Collections Agency: If the debtor fails to respond to reminders, you can opt to hire a collections agency. The collections agency will work on your behalf to collect the debt. They will contact the debtor and make arrangements for the payment of the debt. They will charge a fee for their services, which will be deducted from the amount collected.
  3. Filing a Lawsuit: If the above steps fail, you can file a lawsuit against the debtor in a court of law. To do this, you will need to hire an attorney who specializes in debt collection. Your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit that will be served on the debtor.
  4. Judgment: If the court rules in your favor, a judgment will be issued against the debtor. This means that the debtor will be legally required to pay the debt owed to you. However, obtaining a judgment doesn't guarantee that you will be paid. If the debtor still refuses to pay, you can take steps to enforce the judgment.
  5. Enforcement of the Judgment: There are several enforcement methods you can use to collect your debt if the debtor still refuses to pay. These include wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens. However, it’s important to note that Ohio law limits the amount that can be garnished from a debtor’s wages.

It is important to keep in mind that debt collection laws are complex and vary from state to state. Additionally, there may be limitations or exceptions to the steps listed above, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. If you are unsure about your legal rights and options, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a licensed attorney who specializes in debt collection.