Legal Question in Consumer Law in Virginia

Child care businesses here in Virginia seem to be charging exorbitant late fees these days. Example: my grand-daughter's mother has been one to five minutes late picking her up three times, with a late pick-up charge of $15 each time for a total of $45 in late pick-up fees. These instances all occurred within a short time of each other and she was unable to pay the $45 when it occurred. Now, about 6 weeks later she went to pay the charge and the business owner tells her interest has accrued and she now owes $85. Granted, she should have paid it when it was due, but everyone is struggling these days and paying her rent took priority over paying a late charge. The questions is: Is it legal for a child care facility to charge over 100% "interest" on a late fee?

Asked on 2/01/11, 8:33 pm

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

Not sure, whether this would violate the Commonwealth's laws against usury,

but the better question might be as to what does this mother's agreement/contract

with the daycare provider have to say about this issue?

Furthermore, why is she even agreeing to pay a late fee for being five minutes

late in picking up the child? Time for her to be looking for another

daycare provider (in my opinion).

Answered on 2/02/11, 8:16 am

Keywords

Match Any Match All

Country

State

Area of Law