By no means do I wish to "degrade a fine business." However, you seem to be missing the point. You keep referring to The Bertrum Group, LLC and Bertrum Settlements as separate divisions. You have already indicated that they are the same business entity and the Secretary of State's records would seem to verify that. The fact that they may be separate divisions of the same limited liability company does not insulate one from the other from the obligation to pay valid outstanding abstractor's invoices. Regardless of the separation into divisions...it is still the same limited liability company.

However, all is not lost. Until past payment issues are resolved...perhaps it may be prudent to offer abstractors payment in advance for their work. If nothing else it would be a show of good faith, and could be easily accomplished since you have funds available.