I'm just going to start off by saying I don't need a recommendation on writing a better contract. I am fully aware of my contract's strengths and weaknesses.
However, I would like to know if I can demand payment from a toxic client if the entire project is done and they are asking for too many changes with terrible communication throughout the project.
The contract states " If, at any stage, you’re not happy with the direction our work is taking, you’ll pay us in full for everything we’ve produced until that point and cancel this contract."
Now we believe they will try to cancel the contract even if we implement the vast array of changes they demanded that were not provided in a timely manor.
The contract payment schedule states we will receive the final payment of 55% (the remaining balance has been paid, although our work hours have far outweighed their payment.) of total cost or the remaining payment upon the completion of the project.
Knowing this, would I be able to force them to pay for what we have developed (The entire project with the exception of the final changes they are asking is complete. One such change is one of the main assets that "doesn't look good" to them) under threat of legal action? Obviously I do not want to threaten legal action. But is there a route to get them to pay for our work even if they don't like one aspect of it and have said they will not pay unless it is 100% to their standards?
Also, is using the term "in a reasonable amount of time" in a contract able to be interpreted by us?
Once again I do not need a lecture on how bad my contract is, but would like to learn for improvements next time and if I can get the money my small business is owed.