| Yes, you will want to seek the advice of a lawyer before you start However, let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. The lawyer may be good with the use of the sledgehammer of the laws but they will probably not be good with helping you navigate the "inter personal" ends specific to your situation. Btw, I have worked contracts larger than 25K without a lawyer and using the client's "master contract". I always review carefully clauses that concern me the most: ownership of IP, payment schedule, breach of contract, termination of contract, damages. For my own consulting business, we have had disagreement at times (IP, amount upward 100K) but all were sorted out just fine without lawyers involved. And when I represented Fortune 10/100 company, I have resolved 6-7 digits issues without lawyers just fine. However, when you represent Fortune 10/100 companies, things tend to be easier :) In your case, try to work "inter personally" to get your 25K or even see if those 25K can translate into "credit/equity" that may give you a "slice" of the liquidation, if any. Talk to a lawyer about this one. |