If you threaten to bill them $400 as a "consultation fee" if they keep talking to you, and then they keep talking to you, and you send them a bill, are they legally obligated to pay?
2007-12-03 10:59:09 · 11 answers · asked by d w 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Wouldn't they be pretty much agreeing to the contract if you repeatedly warn them of the consultation fee, and they keep on talking to you?
"If you keep speaking with me, I will charge you a consultation fee of $400. By continuing to speak with me, you agree to pay this fee".
2007-12-03 11:31:18 · update #1
Verbal contracts are tough to enforce in court, but that's a great idea. Let me know if it works!
2007-12-03 11:04:52 · answer #1 · answered by Beardog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. For your "consultation fee" to be collectible you'd have to prove a valid contact existed.
A contract requires that there be an "exchange of valuable consideration" - that is, you BOTH got something out of the deal, and that there was a "meeting of the minds" - that BOTH parties agreed to the charge before service was rendered and the fee charged.
Richard
2007-12-03 11:15:19 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, there was no contract of consultation. Stating that you will bill them is not a valid contract.
Think of it this way. Somebody buys a product from me with terms. 30 days pass, 60 days, then 90 days. So I call them up and state that if you do not pay me withing the next 30 days i will charge 300% interest. Would that be a valid?
2007-12-03 11:10:09 · answer #3 · answered by smedrik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there was never a meeting of the minds (both agreeing) then no they are not obligated to pay.
2007-12-03 11:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have to agree to pay you. If you have it in writing (or have a verbal contract, though those are more complicated) then they have to pay - though I doubt anyone would ever agree to anything like that.
2007-12-03 11:04:00 · answer #5 · answered by Mordent 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bill them for what? For arguing? Are you a professional?
2007-12-03 11:03:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ummmmmm NO!
Think of all the husbands bank accounts if that were true!
2007-12-03 11:03:42 · answer #7 · answered by Grape Stomper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'd have to get them to agree to payment, and probably have it done up on paper:)
2007-12-03 11:02:48 · answer #8 · answered by Not Quite Agnostic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only if they're your client to begin with. I'm sure a lawyer or psychiatrist could find a loop hole to get away with it.
2007-12-03 11:02:59 · answer #9 · answered by Rhuby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it were me I would like to see them try and collect.
2007-12-03 11:01:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋