Can I claim interest and costs on an unpaid business invoice in California?
Prejudgment interest, meaning interest that accrues before a judgment is even entered, at a rate of 10% per year is generally available on a contract claim involving a specific, ascertainable dollar amount, calculated from the date that money became due. Attorney fees are a separate matter entirely, those are only recoverable if your underlying contract specifically contains a clause providing for them.
If your standard contract terms currently lack an attorney fees clause, adding one to every contract you use going forward is worth serious consideration, since a fee-shifting provision changes settlement negotiations more meaningfully than almost any other single clause you could include.
Client won't pay your invoice?
Check what you're owed and get your demand letter and complaint prepared.
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