Q: Hi, A licensed contractor took our deposit five days after contract are now filing bankruptcy. What can I do?
We researched a few contractors through the Registrar of Contractors (in AZ), their references, BBB,years operational and online reviews. After choosing one we gave a deposit by check (as that is all they took); five days later they stopped answering emails. We were on a scheduled vacation and upon returning home called the office and cell phones and emailed again. I drove down to their office during regular business hours and the doors were locked. Later that day I received an email stating that they had bad news for me, they were filing bankruptcy and didn't know when they took on my job. They told me to go through the Registrar of Contractors to get my money back. I filed a complaint but they told me it could take years to even get a portion back.
Nothing was ever ordered or done except for them giving me an estimate and taking my deposit. Can a lawyer help me? I saved for ages and it is over $8,000.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.