Walk It Through: The Unpaid Contractor

A job left unpaid, a claim in the Justice of the Peace Court up to $25,000, and 3 years to sue.

A painter in Smyrna finishes a job and the homeowner never pays the agreed price.

Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.

A contractor's unpaid bill and an injury on the job. Mechanic's liens, workers' compensation for an employee and collecting a judgment are not worked through here.

A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.

Words this turns on

Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.

Statute of limitationsThe time to bring a lawsuit: 2 years for personal injury, 3 years for a promise or a debt.
Justice of the Peace CourtThe court that hears contract and property claims up to $25,000, and landlord and tenant possession cases.
Summary possessionThe court action a landlord brings to take back a rental, after a written demand giving at least 7 days to pay.
TruantA student absent without a valid excuse for more than 3 school days in a school year.