Agree on a partial payment.Be clear about the rest.
A smaller payment can mean money now, a compromise on the total or payment for only the work both sides accept. Work out which one you mean, then review the details together.
Free to start. The case starter pays $79 only after both parties sign. The invited party never pays.
How do you agree a partial payment with a client?
Start by clarifying whether the payment is an installment toward the full balance, payment of an undisputed portion or a proposed reduction of the total. Then discuss the exact amount, currency, date and what happens to the rest. “I’ll pay part of it” leaves the most important question unanswered.
Name the reason for a smaller payment
Is this about cash flow, disagreement over part of the work or a proposal to settle for less? Ask directly. If you are offering the compromise, explain what problem it is intended to solve without assuming the other person accepts it.
Make the numbers add up
Write down the original total, earlier payments, the proposed payment and the amount left over. Use the same currency throughout. Discuss whether the remaining amount is due later, still disputed or part of a proposed reduction.
Review the conditions together
Specify the payment date and method, any remaining work and when each step should happen. If the proposal would give up a claim to the balance, understand that effect before agreeing. The wording and local law can matter.
Bring the facts.
Leave room to listen.
Start with a short account and the relevant records. You can organize them privately before choosing what to share.
- The original invoice and currency
- All payments, credits or refunds already made
- The partial-payment offer in the client’s own words
- Your proposed treatment of the remaining balance
A private place to prepare.
A shared place to work it out.
SettleBetween gives each person a private AI adviser and a shared process for exploring a resolution. You decide what to share and whether to agree.
Prepare your side
Explain what happened and what you want to resolve. Use included AI guidance to organize your account and documents.
Invite the other person
Review the invitation before sharing it. They can join free with their own private AI adviser.
Explore options together
A separate AI mediator uses approved shared information to help you discuss possible next steps.
Review the same terms
Both parties review and approve the same version before signing. Signing and fulfilling the agreement are separate steps.
The case starter pays the agreement fee. The invited party never pays. No subscription.
See pricing, included access and limitsWhat to clarify before you sign
- Original balance, previous payments and the new payment amount
- Whether the payment is an installment, undisputed amount or proposed settlement
- The precise treatment of any remaining balance
- Dates, method, outstanding work and what happens if a step is missed
Is this right for your situation?
Useful when both sides are considering a concrete payment proposal but need help making the details clear. You can prepare privately before inviting the client to discuss it.
SettleBetween does not determine the legal effect of accepting a payment or settlement wording. Get independent advice before agreeing to give up rights or accepting a payment whose conditions you do not understand.
Availability depends on both parties’ locations and the dispute type. This is practical preparation guidance, not legal advice. AI can make mistakes. Review suggestions and seek independent advice where needed.
Questions about partial payments
Does accepting a partial payment settle the whole invoice?
Do not assume it does or does not. The effect can depend on the wording, circumstances and applicable law. Clarify the proposed treatment of the balance, and get independent advice where acceptance could affect your rights.
Is a partial payment the same as a payment plan?
A partial payment describes an amount smaller than the balance. A payment plan sets out a schedule, usually for paying the remaining agreed total over time. If timing is the only issue, focus on a schedule rather than a discount.
Can we discuss a partial payment without agreeing to it?
Yes. You can explore proposals in SettleBetween and choose whether to accept any terms. The AI does not commit you to an outcome, and neither an invitation nor silence counts as acceptance.
Is the SettleBetween fee deducted from the client’s payment?
The agreement fee is a separate service fee paid by the person who starts the case after both parties sign. It is not a percentage of the disputed amount. Payment obligations between you and your client are separate from that fee.
You don’t need all the answers.
Just a place to begin.
Discuss a partial paymentPrepare free. Choose when to invite the other person. No agreement fee unless you both sign.