The man who owed me $3500 has died.
By The Horse
@TheHorse (218781)
Walnut Creek, California
October 11, 2019 8:33pm CST
I have posted in the past about a man for whom I have done an extensive amount of vintage loudspeaker work. He paid me occasionally ($250 into my PayPal account), but never came close to paying me what he owed me.
At a certain point, I stopped working for him and forwarded the amount owing to an attorney friend who had been a student of mine at Diablo Valley College. She specializes in wills and trusts.
At this point, I am trying to figure out the best way to collect what he owes me. Could my attorney friend contact those who administer his accout and figure out a way to "make me whole."?
I have never dealt with this kind of thing before.
Have you ever dealt with a similar situation?
29 people like this
27 responses
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
12 Oct 19
Go to the probate office, and file a lien against the estate, the lien will be paid out of his estate.
7 people like this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Oct 19
@andriaperry Thank you. I will attempt to do this. My attorney fiend must be out of town.
4 people like this
@andriaperry (116936)
• Anniston, Alabama
12 Oct 19
@TheHorse Yes and that is why it takes 6 months or more to probate a will, so the debt collectors can file, it cost nothing here in Alabama.
3 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
12 Oct 19
No , never dealt with this situation but hope you get your $ back!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Oct 19
@infatuatedbby I'm sure I'll post about it.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106192)
• Marion, Ohio
12 Oct 19
Like Andria said. If you have a bill or something that will help a lot to prove he owed you.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106192)
• Marion, Ohio
12 Oct 19
@TheHorse That will help a lot. The only way they cant really pay is by not filling his will and that often is not an option. The only other way is to prove there is not enough money for everyone if he owes a lot.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Oct 19
@wolfgirl569 I bet he has a lot of "creditors" (is that the right word)? When he owed people money, he tended to ignore their emails and calls.
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15505)
• United Kingdom
12 Oct 19
Depends if he has assets.
Over here you'd contact the executor and claim against the estate.
Probably will take a long time.
2 people like this
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
14 Oct 19
That's a lot of money he owes you. You really need a professional for that.
1 person likes this
@cherriefic (10399)
• Philippines
18 Oct 19
@TheHorse At least you know the actions you need to do. Good luck!
@CookieMonster46 (13454)
• United States
12 Oct 19
I assume you have proof he owes it right? you should be able to make a claim on it, once it has been announced. I thought there is something that gets put in the newspaper, so any creditors, can collect from any money he has left behind.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Oct 19
@CookieMonster46 I am glad to hear that. I ill call my attorney again. I am assuming she is out of town.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (87806)
• Bangalore, India
12 Oct 19
Oh! that is bad. I have never been in such situation.
Hope you get to recover your money. It's a decent amount.
1 person likes this
@Michellekidwell (29416)
• Sonora, California
12 Oct 19
I hope you are able to collect what he owes you!
1 person likes this
@Michellekidwell (29416)
• Sonora, California
12 Oct 19
@TheHorse That’s not cool, it would have only taken a moment of her time!
2 people like this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Oct 19
@Michellekidwell This is true. Our relationship is not very balanced. She was the inspiration behind Moth Song, the first song I ever posted to YouTube.
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
13 Oct 19
@TheHorse I am no lawyer and not real familiar with California laws, but my suggestion would be to file a claim as quickly as possible. You will need to find out who the executor is and send them a copy of your invoice or contract and do it with a return receipt requested card attached so they have to sign for it. That way you will have some proof that they have received it. But you might find you need to go to small claims court to get a judgement against the estate. I really don't know. I suggest asking an attorney. They will not take the case since it is so little money but many do offer a free consult.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
12 Oct 19
You have already received the advice I would have given. I hope you get some results.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
12 Oct 19
IF he owed you that amount of money then technically if you can supply the proof to his executors then yes they should pay up but if he has no money and his possessions are of little value then it looks like you have learnt the hard way! Here is a note for you. Don't be so nice in the future. Pay up when the work is done or wait until you can pay for it. Harsh but you are too kind!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218781)
• Walnut Creek, California
18 Oct 19
Here's a favorite musician covering a song about my new philosophy:
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@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
13 Oct 19
@andriaperry is right @TheHorse .
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
12 Oct 19
Looks like Andria has the answer for you. Good luck!
1 person likes this
