Negotiating a Settlement

[Grens]

Background: In the middle of attempting to negotiate a settlement; issues involve unpaid bills for service rendered with two different businesses run by same individuals. They have agreed to pay for one of the businesses bills if there is a mutual general release. However, for the other companies outstanding bill they keep insisting that they have no funds and need to settle the first matter asap and not link the two.

Can you offer any insight on how to deal with this tactic and recommend a good way to conclude all the issues. All things considered were only talking less than $500 past due. Does separating them weaken my ability to resolve the second issue and with the inclusiion of the general release on the first busines, make it inadmissable in small claims if need be on the second issue.

Thank you in advance.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If they don't want to link the two bills, why not accept payment on the bill they're willing to pay, then worrying about the balance? If you think they're about to go bankrupt or shut down, consider filing a suit in small claims court.