Publication date: 21.08.2025
Legal support for freelancers, digital businesses, launch of information products, representation in court disputes.
Case: Successful Collection of Final Payment for a Design Project: Protecting Business and Ensuring Contractual Discipline
Description of the situation and client's problem
A client specializing in design services approached lawyer Maryna Teteruk after completing a complex and significant project. The problem arose at the stage of final settlement: the client, despite having duly and fully fulfilled all his obligations, categorically refused to make the final payment for the work performed.
Such unlawful inaction by the client led to a breach of the terms of cooperation and created significant financial difficulties for the client, who found himself in a situation of uncertainty regarding the receipt of honestly earned funds. Given that for small and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the creative industry, timely payment is critically important for maintaining operational activity, the situation required immediate and qualified legal intervention.
Analysis of the situation and key points
Maryna Teteruk conducted a thorough legal analysis of all the case materials, which allowed for the identification of a key advantage that became a decisive factor for the victory. It turned out that the agreement for the provision of design services was drafted by her. This circumstance was of fundamental importance, as the legal structure of the agreement was impeccable, clearly defining the subject, scope, and stages of work, deadlines, and payment procedures, and also contained all the necessary provisions for protecting the rights of the performer in case of non-fulfillment of obligations by the client.
The key points were:
- Existence of a legally flawless agreement: Unlike typical situations where a contract may be carelessly drafted, in this case, the document was a solid legal basis that made ambiguous interpretations of its terms impossible.
- Undeniable evidence of work performed: The client had all the necessary evidence confirming his proper fulfillment of his obligations, according to the terms of the agreement.
- Violation of the principle of proper fulfillment of obligations: According to the norms of the Civil Code of Ukraine, the client was obliged to fulfill his payment obligations properly, which he failed to do, despite receiving the results of the work.
Desired Outcome:
Full collection of the final payment for the completed design project, as well as compensation for all legal costs and expenses.
Responsible Lawyer:
Maryna Teteruk — a lawyer specializing in business law and contract law.
Solution:
Maryna Teteruk developed and implemented a consistent and effective legal strategy that was based on the inviolability of the contract terms and a convincing evidentiary basis.
- Attempt at pre-trial dispute resolution:
The first step was to prepare and send an official claim to the client. This document detailed the breach of contract terms and demanded immediate final payment. This step was necessary not only as an attempt to resolve the conflict peacefully but also as an important procedural stage. - Filing a statement of claim:
After receiving the client's refusal to voluntarily fulfill his obligations, Maryna Teteruk prepared and filed a statement of claim with the court for debt collection. The lawsuit was supported by a full set of evidence, including the original agreement, acts of performed work, correspondence, and other materials confirming the validity of the claims. - Professional court representation:
The lawyer professionally represented the client's interests in the court hearing. Her reasoned position was based on a deep knowledge of the case materials and contract law. She not only provided the court with all the necessary explanations and evidence but also effectively countered possible objections from the defendant, emphasizing the undeniable nature of the contract terms.
Result: The court, having comprehensively and objectively examined the evidence in the case, made a decision to fully satisfy the claims. The court ordered the defendant to pay the client the final amount for the completed design project, as well as all legal costs, including fees for legal assistance.
This case is a vivid confirmation that a meticulously drafted contract is the strongest tool for protecting rights in contractual relations. It demonstrates that thanks to professional legal support and an impeccable evidentiary basis, it is possible to effectively counter unscrupulous actions of clients, collect debt, and restore contractual discipline. Success in this matter highlights the importance of legal support at all stages of business activity, from drafting a contract to judicial protection.
