Summary
Without a written contract, you may not be legally required to pay an independent contractor if the job is not completed. However, if some work has been done, partial payment may be expected. In Florida, its advisable to consult a local attorney to avoid potential disputes. Even for hourly contractors, payment for hours worked is typical, but the absence of a contract can complicate matters. Always seek legal advice for specific situations.Full Conversation
No contract
The answer largely depends on the agreement between you and the independent contractor. If there is no written contract, it may be more difficult to enforce payment terms. However, here are some general rules:
- If work is not done, payment may not be due.
- If some work is done, partial payment may be expected.
To avoid legal complications, it might be best to consult with a lawyer in your area.
So legally I’m not required to pay them if they didn’t finish
In general, without a contract, you may not be legally obligated to pay if the job is not completed. However, laws can vary based on your location. May I know where this situation is taking place?
I’m located in Florida
In Florida, without a contract:
- You might not be obliged to pay if the job isn't completed.
- However, if the contractor performed some work, they might claim partial payment.
- To clarify this, it's recommended to contact a local attorney.
Understood. So if I pay them partial I’m within my legal rights
Yes, generally speaking, paying a partial amount for the work done is within your legal rights, especially when there's no contract. However, to avoid any potential disputes, it's advisable to consult with a local lawyer.
Even if they are an hourly paid contractor
Yes, even if they are an hourly contractor. You'd typically pay for the hours worked. However, without a contract, it can be complicated. What were the agreed-upon hourly terms?
Thank you
You're welcome. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
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