Legal question?

Question

I am a freelancer in nyc. I have been dealing with a client for sometime.The project was slated at 700.00. I have contract for 700.00 Because of her constant changes the project is now at 1150.00 She still makes constant changes.

I have tried different ways to solve the issue but every time I do this she always has a situation that keeps me from completing the project. The project is a website. I am not sure what to do. I have given her the source files and the website is on her server. I have stopped working with her because of this. I have also offered to give her back 650.00. She has threatened to sue unless she receive full payment. i feel I have done everything I could plus offered her the money which wasn't fair. Any advice?

She also claimed that the 450.00 of changes was unauthorized checks written by a person in her company to pay.

Can she sue for more then the 1150.00? Can she claim things for more money then the 1150.00?

Answer 1

I think you are new at this. You are skilled at websites but not business. This lady sounds like a shark. She is trying to cheat you.
You did the work. You should get paid. If you are not paid, it is you who should sue.
Each state has a small claims court. Up to a certain amountl, you do not need an attorney.
I would reverse things and give her ten days to come up with the whole amount or you will take it to court. (be sure that your state has an amount that you can sue for that is worthwhile).
Good luck.

Answer 2

Have you entered into a written contract or was it just an oral contract? Prima facie this is a simple contract dispute. But here most of the things will depend on the terms of the contract. If it was just an oral contract then things could go tricky. It is not very clear from your description as to what actually went wrong between you. However, you need not worry because it appear that you are an innocent party and carried out the contract as was agreed earlier. You were "affirming a contact" when you have the right to rescind (cancel) the contract. She can obviously not sue for more money than agreed because you are still willing to carry out the contract.