Best legal or other option to get payment?

[redstap]

I am in Calif and a US citizen and recently did some development work for a relative who works in a school based in China. He agreed to pay me after I finished work but has yet to pay me after four months. He also refuses to sign the invoice. However I do have text messages from him stating the agreement. What is the best option to take now to get him to pay?

[Lexus]

In this regard you should send a demand letter to the person who owes money. If you are not getting any response you should file a breach of contract against him. It is good to seek the help of a lawyer to file the case.

[adjusterjack]

Is the relative located in China or California?

[redstap]

Originally Posted by adjusterjack

Is the relative located in China or California?

In Bejing China.
Thanks

[adjusterjack]

Originally Posted by redstap

In Bejing China.
Thanks

Even if you could sue in the US, a US court would have no way of enforcing a judgment in China.

You would have to go to China to file your lawsuit.

If you aren't willing to do that you might try to get other relatives to shame him into paying.

If that doesn't work, you kiss your money good bye and the lesson learned is to confine your work for hire activities to your own city or get your money up front.

[olive]

Originally Posted by redstap

I am in Calif and a US citizen and recently did some development work for a relative who works in a school based in China. He agreed to pay me after I finished work but has yet to pay me after four months. He also refuses to sign the invoice. However I do have text messages from him stating the agreement. What is the best option to take now to get him to pay?

Sue him in China in a small claims type court or get your relatives to help resolve it.
I agree it is impractical completely to try to use a US small claims court for this unless your relative has assets or property in the US, or in some cases spends significant time in the US.