Refund - Let It Go or Not?

[ColwynsMommy]

I started out seeing a fantastic midwife and had two or three prenatals with her. Then she had some health problems come up and discontinued care to all her clients. She's living in Africa now, as far as I know (she usually spends part of every year there), because it's cheaper for her family if she's out of work. She had promised to refund the $400 deposit I paid her, but I haven't heard anything in months. Would you pursue it or let it go?

[organicpapayamama]

well to me $400 is a big deal. but if money wasnt a big deal to me I would still pursue it. Its the principle, ya know? and if its in her contract I would def hold her to her contractual agreement.

[finnegansmom]

Yes, I would persue. $400 is a lot of money to me, and the fact that she ran off without giving me a promised refund would bother me to be honest.

[nashvillemidwife]

Did you sign a contract? What did it say about the deposit? I only ask because she did provide you with a few prenatal visits. Personally, if I closed up shop I would make some concessions even if I had made my contractual obligation for the amount paid, but in my practice it all comes back to that document.

[ColwynsMommy]

Originally Posted by nashvillemidwife

Did you sign a contract? What did it say about the deposit? I only ask because she did provide you with a few prenatal visits. Personally, if I closed up shop I would make some concessions even if I had made my contractual obligation for the amount paid, but in my practice it all comes back to that document.

I signed a contract, but I don't have a copy. I think we did that at my last prenatal and then I didn't see her again. I don't think her contract specified what portion of her fee was for prenatal care vs. attending the birth vs. postpartum care. In her message to me (through Facebook, which I thought was an odd way to communicate such news), she said, "I will, of course, provide a refund of your deposit, though I appreciate your patience, as I am in need of returning a great deal of money."

I get it that she deserves some compensation for the two or three prenatals she did for me, and I get that she's probably having a rough time herself. That's why I'm trying to weigh whether or not I should send her an email. But any portion of $400 is a lot of money for us, especially since our new midwife doesn't use a billing service and I'm really doubtful how much we'll get reimbursed.

[ErinsJuneBug]

ABSOLUTLY persue it. I'm pretty sure i know who you are talking about, and had issues with her as well and was able (after some time) to get mostly a refund. PM me if you want more info.

[phathui5]

The average cost for a prenatal visit is apparently around $133, so if you had 2 or 3 visits with her, it would make sense to deduct that from what she owes you.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5055244_av...atal-care.html

[Paige, CPM]

Oh Erin, I am so glad that you got most of your refund, I always think about that...that is really good news for ColwynsMommy too!

Money issues are so hard...I have done payment plans with clients and have never been paid and have lost probably somewhere around $4,000 over the years, sometimes you just can't get money from people. This is why I no longer do payment plans, ever. And my accountant said I could not claim it as lost income.

I do have someone who owes me 1400 and desperately could use the money...I am thinking about taking her to small claims, though I hate to do it as we have always had such a good relationship, but I can't even get $40 a month from her, even though she keeps saying the check is in the mail! Ugg! I guess reading back over this post, to say that we have a good relationship is not quite on the mark now is it...as right now I do not feel respected at all.

ColwynsMommy, I hope you get your money and I hope you have a lovely birth!!