Legal Question in Construction Law in Florida

I am a Florida State Licensed Interior Designer. I have a client who is an attorney. I contracted with him and his wife to do a renovation and addition to their home. After working with them painlessly for (6) months and having completed all the plans to the point of hiring a contractor they met a Master Builder who has convinced them that they no longer need me. He wants to terminate my contract. I have completed 75% of my work and have only received 50% of my money. He wants 25% of the fees he has paid me returned. This is wrong. Because he is a lawyer he feels he can walk all over a small business person like me. What are my options? Please advise.

Joe


Asked on 2/18/10, 9:16 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

You need to look at the terms of the contract very carefully, or better yet, have an attorney review the contract and advise you how to proceed. Your rights and responsibilities are governed by the contract.

Read more
Answered on 2/24/10, 3:12 am
Matt E. Bales, Jr., Esq. Bales & Bales, P.A.

The contract with your client will determine the rights and obligations regarding payment and whether your client is entitled to any refund of monies previously paid to you. You can also likely rely on the doctrine of unjust enrichment which provides that it would be unjust for one party to receive the benefit of services provided without paying for same.

Read more
Answered on 2/24/10, 4:25 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Construction Law questions and answers in Florida