Yes. In Texas, a written contract is helpful but not always required. Courts recognize verbal agreements, implied contracts, and legal theories like quantum meruit (payment for value received). If you can prove the work was done or the goods were delivered and that the customer expected to pay, you may still have a strong legal case. Text messages, emails, delivery receipts, and even industry practices can help support your claim. We help clients build strong arguments—even in cases with minimal documentation.

Texas law gives you four years from the due date of the invoice to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. Once that time passes, your legal claim becomes “time-barred,” meaning the court can no longer enforce it. It’s important not to wait too long—especially if you have multiple invoices or ongoing services that could complicate the timeline. Acting early also increases your chance of recovering payment before the debtor disappears or files for bankruptcy.

You can—but only if you’ve clearly communicated that policy to your customer. If you have a written agreement or recurring invoice terms that mention interest or penalties for late payment, those are usually enforceable in Texas. The state allows a default interest rate up to 6% per year if no rate is specified, and higher rates if agreed upon in writing. Always include clear payment terms in your contracts and invoices. We can help you draft enforceable terms to protect your business going forward.

Gather your documentation and timeline. This includes the invoice itself, any contracts or terms, emails or texts confirming the job, delivery receipts, and payment records. Try sending a final reminder or demand for payment before escalating. If the debtor still refuses to pay or ignores you, that’s when it’s time to involve legal counsel. We offer free consultations, and the more organized your materials are, the faster we can take legal action on your behalf.

We offer flexible billing depending on the size and complexity of the claim. For straightforward cases, we often begin with a flat-fee demand letter to show you’re serious. If we need to file suit, we may offer hourly rates, contingency arrangements, or hybrid models depending on what best fits your situation. In many cases, Texas law allows you to recover attorney fees from the debtor if you win. We’ll walk you through the cost-benefit before proceeding so there are no surprises.

Yes, in many cases. If your unpaid invoice stems from a written or verbal agreement, and you successfully sue in Texas court, you may be entitled to recover attorney’s fees under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 38.001. This applies to suits on accounts, contracts, and similar debts. Court costs like filing fees and service of process may also be added to the final judgment. We always seek to recover as much of your legal expense as possible from the opposing party.

Winning the lawsuit is just step one—enforcing it is step two. If the debtor refuses to pay after a judgment, we can initiate post-judgment collection actions such as bank garnishments, lien filings, or asset seizure (if allowed by law). We investigate the debtor’s financial situation to uncover assets and income sources. Judgment enforcement can take time, but we use every legal tool available to pursue what you’re owed. Many debtors pay quickly once they realize the judgment is real and enforceable.

Yes, and this is where strategy matters. Generally, you can file where the contract was to be performed, where the defendant resides, or where the business is based. Invoices for services performed in Dallas, for example, can usually be filed in Dallas County Courts, even if your company is based in Fort Worth. We help you determine the best court for your case—balancing jurisdiction, filing cost, and court backlog. Local court knowledge helps us move your case efficiently.

It might—but ask yourself this: do you want a relationship with someone who doesn’t pay you? Most of our clients are small businesses that depend on timely payments to keep running. Letting unpaid invoices go undermines your pricing, your value, and your ability to operate. We approach each case professionally and ethically, often starting with a respectful but firm demand letter. Sometimes, a lawsuit leads to a clean break; other times, it results in better behavior and new terms for future work.