I work as a publicist, and recently, a female psychologist client I work with became forgetful about recent work we did. When I tried to get paid for the media placement she became hostile, combative and said she never gave quotes for that story. I tried to get it resolved but then I began to think she is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. She is 74 years old, and I am alarmed and do not know if I should contact her son because I am concerned about her mental state and her welfare. Am I wrong to do nothing?

-Baffled by Non-Paying Client

Dear Baffled, My first thought was to ask you to dig deep and be honest with yourself: Would you be reaching out to track down your money, or to express sincere concern? It is beyond inappropriate to go to someone's relative over a professional issue; that's what small claims court is for. So I was going to say if you really, really conclude that your motivation was concern for your client's well-being, you could reach out to her son. But then I realized that, based on your letter, this is someone you only know professionally. It's impossible that you have more insight into her personality changes and possible cognitive decline than her friends and family do. Nothing she said or did suggests that she's a danger to herself or others. I'm pretty sure other people are on the case, or will be soon. You can stand down. Feel free to continue to send her bills or take her to court, but don't contact any relatives about this.