Payment for a Therapy Session Canceled Due to Circumstances Beyond One’s Control
Question
My son is 11 years old and goes to emotional therapy once a week. One week he left as usual, but the buses did not depart for about half an hour, and he missed the session. About fifteen minutes after the scheduled start time, we informed the therapist that he would not be coming. There was no prior agreement regarding such cases. According to Halacha, and according to the customary practice in the country, must I pay the therapist the full fee for the missed appointment?
Answer
Hello and blessings.
If it is rare for buses to be delayed, he is exempt under the law of circumstances beyond one’s control.
However, if it is common for buses to be delayed, this is not considered beyond one’s control. In such a case, one must pay according to the customary market rate for a cancellation. [And this is at least half the price].
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