Do you know any lawyers in the family or your circle of friends? I would ask a lawyer if a verbal contract or emailing and texting is binding without the parents actually signing your contract. It's possible. It may be a grey area. I'm afraid I have to agree with Mimi that you may have to return the money since there wasn't a binding contract signed.

I also agree that you should tell them to cease and desist with their threats while you make your final decision whether to refund their money or not. Tell them you are talking to a lawyer!

We learn a lot of valuable lessons in this business and one big lesson is not to count on anything as definite until the contracts are signed and the deposit is in our hands, even then people have changed their minds. There is no such thing as a sure thing in our job unfortunately. Our lives can be turned upside down any time with a family leaving for a million different reasons.

Good luck and keep us up to date, hopefully with good news.