A slight twist. On updating my Public Liabilty Insurance, it seems I'm entitled to free Legal Advise and she is checking for free Soilicitor to take it forward
If that doesn't work out look at your bank account some like mine offer legal advice up to a fixed amount, mines £100000.00.
It can take well over a year to come to court and they like you to settle at the mediation stage but I still won my case where they had held back money.
Always ensure a written contract is signed by both parties before commencing any works. Otherwise the client is always in a stronger position!
Good news, Dr. I presume that's the same as a no-show at a county court? In which case, an instant 'win'. The only time I've taken someone to CC was many moons ago - a yoof who rear-ended me and then wouldn't respond to contact. (Ooh-er, missus). Local CC (in London) and he didn't turn up on the day. Instant win.
Was there a date by which he had to respond? I take this process is under way on the MoneyClaim website - ie it's all effectively in a third party's hands? In which case MC would inform you of the situation? I'm not familiar with it tbh, only the CC method - and that was decades ago.
"If they admit owing the money or do not respond, you can get the court to order them to pay without a hearing..."
Yes, you are right - if they are late in replying, but manage to do so before the court acts on your request for judgement, then their response is allowed. But chance are it's going well
He had a date to reply and I guess he ignored it, so I ticked the box to force judgement. (Next step off the process) I don't know how long you have to wait or if he contests at the last moment. Any yes it's through MCOL
Once you have judgement you give them 14 days to pay in full, if they don't, you raise it up to the high court and Sheriffs office, the only way he can not pay then is by going bankrupt, this would have had to be done before the sheriff's otherwise they will still take goods to the value of.