UK client owes $45K, stopped responding — what are my options?

Did a dev project for a UK startup. Contract signed, work delivered, they paid first 50%. Now ghosting on final $45K payment. My contract has US jurisdiction clause. How do I actually collect from a UK company?

Cross-border collection is expensive. Options in rough order of cost/effort:

1. Demand letter from UK solicitor (~$500-1000): Sometimes enough to scare them into paying. Find one who handles debt collection.

2. UK debt collection agency: They take 15-30% but handle everything. Only works if debtor has assets.

3. UK court claim: You can get a US judgment but it needs to be domesticated in UK courts to enforce. Expensive ($10K+).

At $45K, option 1 is worth trying. If no response, calculate whether collection cost is worth it.

Before spending money on lawyers: Are they actually ignoring you or did something happen? Check Companies House (UK business registry) to see if they're still operating. Sometimes startups go bust and there's nothing to collect.

Also try LinkedIn — reach out to founders directly. Sometimes AP emails just go to spam.

For next time: with international clients, consider milestone payments (not 50/50), escrow services, or requiring payment upfront for the full amount on smaller projects.

Also: put jurisdiction in the client's country. Easier to enforce there. Or use arbitration clause — arbitration awards are more easily enforced internationally under the New York Convention.