Do you – or someone you know – know contracts?

I ask because I’ve been contacted by the spouse of a designer who’s been unable to collect  the thousands of dollars owed to her under a cost-plus arrangement with a high end client.

Simply put, the client refuses to pay.

Here’s the rub: there were verbal agreements, but no signed contract authorizing the work.

Does the designer stand a chance?

Here’s the letter I received from her husband:

My wife is an interior designer (who) is involved in a very serious contract dispute with a very wealthy client. She recently purchased your CD selling program and I must say she does most of what you teach very well.

The client is using all of their $200 million net worth to hurt my wife and our family.

We were wondering if you might be able to refer an experienced and accomplished design professional who would be able as to testify to thenature and diversity of design contracts.

Our hope is that we would not need his or her services as that would mean we would be going to trial and would be looking at $100,000.00 in legal fees (we’ve already spent $40,000.00).

Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request.

Suggestions, anyone?