I don't go after most deadbeats but I do send a 1099-C if I'm in a bad mood about it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of law did you use them for? Why not start payments to them?

Family law. Trying to close on a house, and don’t want to raise red flags before closing in 3 weeks

I don't want to word it the same way others have, but the sentiment is the same. You used their services all the time with the understanding that you would pay them for the work they did for you. Whether they've actively been pursuing you to collect it, shouldn't be the basis for you paying them. You know you owe them the money. Just set up a payment plan and start paying them. Both sides will feel better about it.