[vic1955]

I have a registered alteration home business. I altered a wedding dress for a customer and her mother made the payment for the service with a cheque. I deposited the cheque at the bank. After a few days the cheque was cancelled by the customer. Soon after I received an injurious letter from her, informing me that the dress hasn’t been done properly so that’s why she cancelled the cheque. She was informing me also that she is willing to pay half of the amount we agreed on, when she took the wedding dress.

So along with the injurious letter I received a new checque, but I couldn’t cash it because she used a different name than my business, even though she used the correct one on the mailing letter (on the mailed envelop the name of my business and all the information were correct, not on the cheque though ).

I have done some investigation on the internet and I found pictures from the wedding and the bride looks impeccable in the dress that I have altered and she seemed very happy and satisfied.

I am very upset with all this predicament and I don’t know what I can do about it.
Should I take legal action? Can my husband represent me or do I need a lawyer? Should I go for the Small Claim Court? Where can I find information about similar cases?

Any information will be really appreciated.

[ScottGem]

First, please pay more attention to posting guidelines. Your post was moved from the Introductions forum which is clearly marked as NOT the place to ask questions.

Assuming the amount is within the Small Claims limits for your area, then yes, you should immediately file a suit against her. Make sure you download some of the pictures. Also, do you have a picture of the completed dress?

You can represent yourself and have your husband with you to help.

But its not a sure thing. Was the original check paid upon delivery or when the dress was given to you? Its possible that they took it to someone else to fix what you, allegedly, didn't do properly. If she comes to court with proof that she paid someone else, you will lose.

However, since you have a letter that she offered to pay half, you should recover at least that.