Legal Question in Business Law in California

Wedding guest from Hell!

I am an independent floral designer/artist,I own a small home studio that designs wedding and special events. I have a client who has a friend that paid for her flowers as a gift ( to gain control of the wedding?), the friend did not sign a contract with me. The Bride did sign a contract with me that has all our rules and regulations regarding rental props, payments, refunds etc. The friend feel that payment is the same as having a contract with me, I dont.

The friend who paid, is threatening to slander my company and good reputation, because she perceives that 7 of the designs at the reception were not what SHE expected.

after the wedding the friend lied to the reception manager to ''steal'' our props, by faking a call to me. Now the friend has my property and is threatening to ruin me, and has made comments that I used bait and switch tactics, etc!

I have hundreds of VERY pleased clients. This gal is a bully with a big checkbook.

My husband who is also my assistant in the business tried to reason with her, but she just got crazier!

Please any direction on this problem would be better than this torment she is putting us through.


Asked on 7/07/02, 9:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Wedding guest from Hell!

I agree with the previous advice. Even though it will cost you some money, this kind of approach is often very effective. After the suit is filed and served, you can insist that all communications and contacts be made through the lawyer. The lawyer can also warn the offending parties that slander can result in damages including punitive damages.

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Answered on 7/08/02, 1:49 pm
Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: Wedding guest from Hell!

Sounds like you should make a "preemptive strike" and file suit against her to get your items back. If there is still an issue of payment then sue the person you actually had the contract with. In any event name the person who signed the contract: that person should get her "friend" in line.

Joel Selik

www.4thelaw.com

800-894-2889

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Answered on 7/07/02, 9:27 pm


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