Freelancer cancelled contract. Money on Escrow?

[b98a0b03]

A freelancer I was working with decided to cancel the contract because he is sick and feels he won't be able to finish on time.

I understand that but I had half of the full payement as the 1st milestone in Escrow. Milestone was not released. How do I get that 1st milestone back so I can hire another freelancer?

I am familiar with the process when I, the client, cancels a contact but this is the first time a freelancer has cancelled a contract for me. I only got an email notification saying the freelancer had cancelled it. 

[prestonhunter · Accepted solution]

Adam: It is impossible for a freelancer to cancel or close a fixed-price contract and obtain any of the money set aside in escrow. If a freelancer closes a fixed-price contract, the escrow money is automatically returned to the client.

[kochubei_valeria]

Hi Adam,

As Preston explained, when a freelancer closes a fixed-price contract they are asked to approve refund from Escrow. The refund on the contract that was recently closed has already been initiated and you can see it under your Reports> Transactions. It may take up to 5 days to show on your credit card.