We are owed money by someone. They have sent a cheque for part of the amount, withholding the rest as they dispute it (despite independent arbitration, which they originally agreed to be bound by, finding in our favour for the full amount). I intend to take them to the small claims court for the balance but in the meantime, they have used the phrase "in full and final settlement" in the letter enclosing the cheque. If I present the cheque to my bank in the meantime, is that classed as me accepting that this is "full and final" or can I cash the cheque and still claim the outstanding amount? Does that phrase have any legal standing or is it hogwash and I can take this money and still sue for the rest? The person has previous for stopping cheques.
So I suppose, WIBU to pay this cheque into my bank or do I need to hold off until the small claims court procedure is over because of the wording they have used?