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How to Collect Your Unpaid Invoice
1
Send a Demand Letter
A formal demand letter shows you're serious. Attorney letters get 90% response rates.
2
Give 7-14 Days
Most clients pay or negotiate within the deadline. Document all communication.
3
File in Small Claims
Under $12,500 in CA? Small claims is fast, cheap, and you don't need a lawyer.
4
Collect Double (FWPA)
California freelancers can recover 2x damages plus attorney's fees under the FWPA.
Your Legal Options by Invoice Amount
💵 Under $5,000
Best option: Self-drafted demand letter, then small claims court if needed. Filing fees are typically $75-100. Use the free demand letter generator to create a professional letter.
💰 $5,000 - $12,500
Best option: Attorney demand letter ($575), then small claims court. The attorney letterhead significantly increases response rates. California small claims limit is $12,500 for individuals.
💎 Over $12,500
Best option: Attorney demand letter, then limited civil court (up to $25,000) or unlimited civil court. If your contract has an attorney's fees clause, you can recover those costs too.
MOST POPULAR
Attorney Demand Letter Package
$575 flat fee
Attorney-Drafted Letter
On law firm letterhead
Case Analysis
Contract & evidence review
FedEx Certified Mail
With tracking confirmation
7-Day Follow-Up
Email support after sending
Why it works: Letters from attorneys get responses. A 2024 study found 90% of attorney demand letters receive responses vs. 40% for self-written letters.
Get Attorney Package →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even without a written contract, you can sue for the reasonable value of services rendered (quantum meruit). With a contract, you can sue for breach of contract. California freelancers may also recover double damages under the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA) effective 2025.
The California FWPA, effective January 1, 2025, allows freelancers to recover double the unpaid amount plus attorney's fees when clients fail to pay on time. It applies to freelance work valued at $250 or more for California clients. You can also file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner.
In California, you have 4 years for written contracts and 2 years for oral contracts. However, collection success drops sharply after 90 days overdue—from 90%+ recovery to under 50%. The sooner you send a demand letter, the better your chances of recovery.
For invoices under $12,500 in California, small claims court is often the best option. Filing fees are typically $75-$100, you don't need a lawyer, and cases are resolved in 30-60 days. The main challenge is collecting after you win—see my judgment collection guide.
A strong demand letter includes: (1) specific invoice numbers, amounts, and dates, (2) services delivered and accepted, (3) payment terms from your contract or agreement, (4) deadline for payment (typically 7-14 days), (5) consequences of non-payment (legal action, interest, collection costs), and (6) settlement offer if you're willing to negotiate. Use my free generator to create one.
If your contract specifies an interest rate, you can charge that rate. If not, California allows 10% annual interest on unpaid debts (Cal. Civ. Code § 3289). On a $5,000 invoice that's 90 days overdue, that's about $125 in interest. After a court judgment, interest continues accruing at 10% per year.
Ready to Collect Your Unpaid Invoice?
Use my free demand letter generator to create a professional letter, or hire me to send one on law firm letterhead.