Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida

I had work done on my house by a pest control company. Shortly afterward, I experienced an unexpected (medical) financial hardship, and so did not immediately pay the $200 bill I owed the pest control company.

In response, to compel me to pay, the pest control company hired an attorney to place a lien on my house. I now know they can do this, as can anyone who does work on a home and does not receive payment (just like a contractor can). I then promptly paid them in full the $200 bill, to avoid the lien. To be clear: I have now paid 100% of the original debt for the pest control service done on my house.

However, they now say I owe them an additional $500 to compensate them for their attorney's fees. My question is this: in this situation, can a lien be placed on my house for my not paying the additional $500 in attorney fees? Are there any limits in how much they could have potentially paid the attorney, and then expected me to repay them that amount (i.e. What if the attorney charged them $4000? Could I be expected to repay that amount under threat of a lien on my house if I don't, when the original bill was $200?)

Thank you.


Asked on 6/21/14, 6:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Douglas R. Coenson, Esq.

Did the pest control company, through the attorney, secure a judgment against you? If a Complaint was filed with the court and you failed to file an Answer through the court, it is possible that a Default Judgment was awarded. If that's the case, and the judge upon signing the Order for the Default Judgment awarded attorney fees, then you are obligated to pay. If you still have questions or have received a Summons and Complaint, contact an attorney immediately since time is of the essence.

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Answered on 6/22/14, 8:29 am


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