The first thing you need to do is right her up a bill and give it to her as soon as possible. Also fill the spot as soon as you can, people like this NEVER change, and the longer she trails you on the farther you will be owed and the more resentment you will feel. How about if you inform her today that from now on payment must be made before care is provided (that should be a given, not sure if anyone really takes pay at the end of the week any more, for this simple reason, you get paid ahead of care or care is not provided plain and simple) this way you still get your income while looking to fill the spot, as long as she agrees to pay ahead at least for the time being you are ok, money wise. Next you need to inform her when you give her the bill of past due charges that there is a late fee for anything not paid in full by such and such date, and finally you need to inform her she can make payments of the backed up income in so many increments until a specified date or you will need to take further action. if she refuses inform her you no longer will be able to provide care and will have to take further action. If I were you, although it seems a long shot, I would attempt to clear things up temporarily just long enough to get a few more weeks PAID care in and attempt to get your money she owes without too much extra stress on your part, I don;t disagree with small claims, but wouldn't wish it on anyone unless is was the last resort...no fun, and can cause hard feelings. irregardless, let this one go as soon as you get the cash, and think twice before taking on anyone like that in the future. sounds like she only pushed as far as you would let her, stop letting her push! good luck!