[GA] certified letter from attorney demanding payment for a job I've already paid for (x posted to legaladvice)
I hired a painting company to paint the interior of my house and stain my front deck. I didn't find out until after the job was underway that the people who performed the job were not actually employed by the company I hired, but were subcontracted to do the job, but the job was done properly and on time, so it was no skin off my back at the time. Job was completed, I paid my invoice in full and on time. About three weeks after the job was done, 2 men showed up at my door wanting to know if I was unhappy with the job they'd done because they hadn't been paid. I told them I had paid, and provided a copy of my zeroed out invoice from their contractor. Yesterday, I got a certified letter from an attorney threatening legal action if I didn't pay a bill I've already paid, with the invoice I provided attached. I know what happened: I paid the contractor, the contractor didn't pay their sub for whatever reason and now the sub wants their money. Under ordinary circumstances, I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock in a poorly written letter from an attorney demanding payment for something I can prove I've already paid for. But the reason I had my house painted is because we were getting ready to put it on the market. It's now under contract, and we're under contract on a new house and both houses are set to close on July 6. I don't think there's enough time for legal action that could affect my closings (like a lien on the house), but I'm not entirely certain of that. I've contacted some local attorneys (didn't find out about this til after 7 pm last night), and am waiting to hear back from them. My main question, I guess, is what's the process for putting a lien on a house? Will these people be able to do this before July 6? Is it as simple as filing it with the court, then it's incumbent upon me to prove I've paid it? Because I'm pretty butthurt that I have to prove I've paid a bill that I have most definitely paid, and it could pull down the house of cards that is trying to close 2 houses on one day.
Posted Jun 27, 2017, 11:36 AM UTC
If I get this right you signed a contract with company A. Company B did the actual job. Company B didn't get paid.
Company A got paid.
If so ask the attorney for company B for the contract , that I assume doesn't exist. There fight is with company A. Likely feel you are an easier target.
Yup, that's about the size of it. I presume I'm named on this letter as well as the general contractor as a way to cast the net wide and scare me into paying a bill I've already paid.
I would imagine asking for the contract you signed with their company for the work done would set things straight. "No contract?! Why are you even contacting me you are a lawyer? Your clients requests are based on nothing."
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