What people don't realize is, when you don't pay your bills, things get ugly. If she was struggling with her business, why didn't she say so?

If a client comes to me and says, "Hey, I know I owe you money, things are tight in this economy, can we set up a payment plan to pay the balance?" I'd be okay with that, through in a little interest and as long as the client pays, I won't be worried. It is when a client just "disappears" that I hate. When you don't return calls, don't respond to emails, and don't pay your bills, that's what gets you into trouble. This is true also with credit cards and loans and what not.