contractor not paying sub-contractor

[wolfy]

i have an oral contract with a general contractor ( there is no written contract at all) that i get paid when he gets paid. well today he collected a check for $500.00. i know because i picked up the check for him. He ows me $250.00 for work that i did. he refused to write it. . and told me the he was not paying me till he felt like it. i then reminded him of our verbal agreement. what can i do to collect the money he owes me?

Sorry to hear that. Start by sending him a written demand letter by certified mail. Next, if he does not pay up, sue him in small claims court. It's cheap, informal and very "user friendly". Good luck! AJJ

My guess is that you will spend more gettiung your $250 that it is worth. Don't forget that your time in court is worth, maybe $50-$100 per hour out of your pocket. Next time have a contract and get legal advice before you do the work. I recommend a Pre-Paid Legal membership. If you think that this is too expensive of an approach consider how much money and time you have spent already.

put a lean on his building project.or just take back your work and leave it like you found it !

[Fire-Sprinkler-Guru]

You have a verbal "pay when paid" contract provision.
Send him a demand letter and if he does not pay within 10 days, sue him in small claims court.