I agree with Doug's logic, if the search cancels then there is no liability, thus should not cost the same.  However, with abstracting rates as low as they are - I don't feel like we are charging for liability anyway.  We are pretty much just charging for time.  Thus, we do charge the full fee if the order cancels and the search has already been completed.  If it is at some various stage of incompletion, we will charge a reduced rate.

This is an interesting topic.  I have had some clients that refused to pay us for the search if the closing was canceled.  Of course, we demanded payment and we no longer work for them.  Everyone has a different take on these types of billing issues.   It is good to find out how others handle similar circumstances.

Regards,
Robert A. Franco
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