Q: Dear Dr. Joel, I was wondering if you could give me some advise on a situation. I was an IC at a chiropractors office and decided to leave the position, however the owner of the clinic has not paid me my share of the money or given me a 1099. I did not have a written contract only a verbal agreement. Is there anyway that I could get my money legally? I would appreciate any information you can help me with. A: Thanks for your e-mail . Biggest problem with agreements without a written contract is there may be nothing to stand on. Verbal agreements are as strong as the people shaking on it. Obviously there has been some breech of responsibility and ethics here. If you feel you stand on solid ground and have a global figure that is owed you .. I mean with provable numbers etc. then I would increase the heat on the other party. I would send a certified and return receipt letter stating the facts and requesting that all salary be paid by February 28, 2003. If the DC feels the salary or amount is not warranted then he should reply in writing to your address by February 21, 2003. If there is no satisfaction by February 28, you may hire an attorney, report the DC to the Board of Examiners and state association ethics committees and advise the IRS and State Income Tax Division that he has retained your salary and did not take or possibly report the proper taxes. This may stimulate him to respond to you. Just be sure you have your facts together.