Hi, Deb!

If the search is cancelled before we've done any work on it, we usually don't charge.  However, if we've completed the work, it is billable time, and we expect to be paid for same.

We send an individual invoice with every search, as I've found that some of the attorneys we work for prefer to pay out of closing after the loan has funded.  We also bill each client once per month, with invoices going out on the 5th, 15th and 25th according to the date the client has selected.  Anything not already paid in advance is due and payable within that billing cycle.

I've got to admit, that's an original excuse, though.  How about this...I'm not going to make my car payment this month unless I actually drive the car.  Wonder if my bank would go for that one? LOL.

Regards,
Scott Perry