Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Does an interior decorator have any legal basis to demand money from me for consulting her and meeting with her in her office? My wife and I met with her three times in her office and contacted her several times through email, but never signed any legal documents. Nor is there anything on her website that mentions anything about such charges or hourly consultation fees. During our exchanges we negotiated prices and asked her advice on various things to buy, but there was never any agreement that we would actually contract her to do the work. When we decided not to choose her and move on, she sent us a loaded email along with an invoice, charging us almost $2000 for everything from hourly consultation fees to drinking her coffee. Out of the three meetings, we requested only the last one; we were invited to her office for the first two. I'm not sure if even this constitutes any grounds for her to take action against us, but I would like to know for sure if there is any possibility that if she does decide to go to court, she can actually win this case. I believe she has us on video while visiting her office; other than that, nothing was ever signed or agreed upon.
Thank you.

Asked on 7/15/13, 8:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

SHAHRIAR KASHANIAN LAW OFFICES OF SHAHRIAR KASHANIAN, ESQ.,

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It is to your advantage to come to a suitable agreement. You were obviously not social guests of the designer and three meetings seem too involved. Resolve it amicably; she knows she will not be obtaining her $2000 but will probably meet you half way.

Answered on 7/15/13, 9:07 pm

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