Plumber being taken to court

[MrsW689]

Hi all, up until a few months ago my hubby had his own plumbing business and one of his former customers is taking him to court as he doesn't believe that the job was carried out well, that the wrong parts were used and that my husband damaged his property. He has only paid my husband £4,500, but is taking him to Court for £20,000. The only 'evidence' he has provided is photos of the works being carried out, not of the finished product. My husband has evidence which he has supplied.

We don't currently have a solicitor as we can't really afford one, but the customer does have a solicitor.

My concern is that if this goes to court and the customer does win the whole £20,000; would we have to sell the house to pay the debt? My husband has another job now, but has disposable income of around £150 a month and it would take 11 years to pay it at that rate, which I'm sure would not be accepted.

I am making enquiries to see if I can find a solicitor that we can afford, but has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice please?

I should add we are at the stage of an N181 form being filled in and the case has been allocated to the Fast Track.

[Pezza54]

Hi
Was your husband the owner of a limited company?

If not, it is possible that the claimant could end up forcing the sale of your property to pay the debt

You may be able to secure your property. Google "discretionary living trusts" and see if this type of trust is suitable for you and your husband

You could put your property in the trust and protect it

[MrsW689]

Hi Pezza, wow really?! It wasn't a limited company, he was a sole trader. I will google that. Thank you