Although I am a signing agent, and not an abstractor, we face the same 'no or slow pay' dilemma as you. In this way, we are brothers (and sisters) in arms. Here's a suggestion which I've used successfully in order to get paid.(In fact, just last week, I was FedEx'd my overdue check the next day using this method) It's really quite simple, but you have to back it up with action if you intend to use it:

I make the typical call or email, documenting the invoices I'm owed on. In the body of the letter I explain that I too am part of the process, and like everyone else, expect to be paid on a timely basis. I further explain that I am not one to rant and rave, and name call, and be a continual nuisance, but rather prefer to take the matter to the State's Attorney General office, not to mention the the local authorities and the BBB. I've done this 3 times in the past year, and it has worked successfully.

I also explain in the letter that there is a deadline for which they must respond, or the letters go out to the authorities. This is why, as I previously mentioned, that you must be prepared to follow through.

The way I see it, if the company still does not comply, and the State's AG ofice get enough letters of complaint, it eventually becomes an issue beyond just reprimanding one company, but becomes an issue of interest as to why such a thing is so widespread.

I'd sincerely like to hear some feedback on this comment