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I'm seeking advice regarding a situation I encountered as a freelance IT consultant. I signed a service contract with a company to build a complete 3D configurator system (backend, frontend, and integration). The contract was valid from May 12, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with a clear hourly billing clause and a two-month notice for termination.

Here is what happened:

On July 4, 2025, without any notice or justification, they blocked my company email, disabled my access to internal systems (project delivery platforms, timesheet logs), and cut communication entirely. They later claimed the contract was terminated, after I attempted to contact their German HQ to report the issue. They refused to sign a property rights amendment (IP ownership), while still holding my delivered code. They attempted to force me to edit an already issued invoice down to match a previous advance, despite the full work being completed and documented. They accused me of "non-cooperation" because I refused to train their internal developers, despite the contract explicitly stating I am the sole developer. They retrieved a loaned laptop/headset under the pretext of software installation, then kept them and didn’t return the handover form, while blocking project access entirely. All my hours and deliveries are well documented. What I'm asking: Have other consultants experienced similar issues with clients abusing system access or refusing invoice payments after blocking communication? Is there a known escalation path or precedent for this kind of abuse, especially in Tunisia or under international tech contracting? Should I issue a formal technical notice or report via a professional organization or platform? In our case, we anticipated a possible issue and captured all screenshots, logs, and delivery records before access was revoked. But we’re still interested in how others prevent or respond to such client behavior — especially if it happens suddenly or under pressure. Any insights — especially from IT consultants, contract developers, or professionals who've faced similar cases — are welcome.

Note: All materials (invoices, communications, screenshots, timesheets) have been securely documented and archived prior to the access termination.

Thanks in advance.

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Horrible situation to be in, but what does the contract say? If they broke the contract, it's on them to make things right. If you broke the contract and they can prove it, then all bets are off.

I would suggest, if it's as extreme as you state, that you gather your evidence, timelines, and copies of contracts/work logs and talk to a lawyer in your jurisdiction (IANAL; I am not your lawyer).

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    Thanks for the reply, I appreciate the realism. I’ve already aligned all documented issues with the signed contract, and there’s no clause I’ve violated. I’ve also prepared timelines, logs, and all communications, and I’m meeting with a local lawyer on July 16 if no resolution happens. the contract includes : Two-month notice required for termination (Article 6), Hourly billing based on work delivered (Article 5)//I am the sole developer responsible for delivery (Article 4)/ and more. Thanks again for confirming I’m on the right track, it helps a lot during this difficult time.
    – Aymen
    Commented Jul 13 at 22:22

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