Client died, cheque bounced

[Elroy Blue]

My wife has a small business which she operates as a small trader. One of her clients dies recently owing her for 9hrs work. A few days later a cheque from the same person was returned by the bank as the account had been closed following her death. The sums aren't massive, but enough for her to take a monthly hit.

She's tried sending a letter to the deceased's daughter, but not had any response. We don't know who is the executor of the will, so are a bit stumped where to turn next. Any assistance appreciated.

[Elroy Blue]

We wouldn't go for the small claims court, but it would help if the daughter took the time to reply. Not being a powerfully built, company director, she just can't afford to write the money off.

[Elroy Blue]

jeff m2 said:

.

TBO if one checque throws your wife in a tizzy, maybe sole trader is not for her.

If you'd like to point out anywhere in my post where I said my wife was 'in a tizzy', then do so. You can always guarantee on PH that 50% of replies are helpful and the other half are a complete waste of bandwidth. I'll let you guess which one I consider your reply to be.

toohangry said:

A day's work and you're annoyed at poor daughter for not being in touch right away.

For christ's sake, just write it off you mercenary.

And where has anybody mentioned 'right away'. If in doubt, make it up. It has been a number of weeks and the daughter hasn't been in touch with her mother for a number of years prior to her death.

Eric Mc said:

I wouldn't - but I would be a little less forceful than normal in chasing any unpaid amounts. Indeed, I would just ask (when appropriate) who the executor was and sort everything out through them.

Exactly Eric. 9hrs work PLUS a bounced cheque for a similar amount is a considerable part of her earnings. We haven't done anything other than the initial (respectful) contact with the daughter. As she hasn't replied, we're not quite sure how to go about finding out who the executor is. If we don't have any success then she will just write it off, but thanks for the constructive reply.

[Elroy Blue]

Eric Mc said:

Is the daughter the only contact?

The only one we know of. There are no other family members in the area. We don't want to be bombarding the daughter with letters so have taken the 'sit and wait' approach.

[Elroy Blue]

Simpo Two said:

it.

I'd write a polite and sympathetic covering letter offering sincere condolences etc, and attach a copy of the invoice with a request that is be paid in, say, 30 days. Enclose an SAE to make it easier.

That's exactly what we've done, but without the '30 day' bit. It's all a learning experience. The old lady would be mortified as my wife had a long relationship with her, but if nothing else it's taught her to bank cheques asap after receiving them.