Taking my baby with me to small claims court

[FasterThanASnakeAndAMongoose]

Having a bit of a panic. I posted a while ago about an ongoing dispute we're having with a builder. Basically he's invoiced us for a shedload of expensive extras that we never agreed to, long after the work was complete and final invoice paid.

Anyway, 5 weeks since we emailed him he's just tonight emailed back to say he doesn't accept our offer. We're not prepared to pay what he's asking so I think he's probably going to take us to small claims court now.

I'm worried. I have no experience of court, but sure we can represent ourselves well. My concern is though that I'm breastfeeding my 3 month old. A colleague told me a while ago that you can't take children with you to court. Is she right? Even if I'm breastfeeding?

Fair enough to not taking my toddler, although she might lighten the mood.

Sorry for the rambling post. Feeling rather stressed.

My gut feeling is that he is trying it on. He saw you as soft touches and is trying to get more out of you.

However, should you get summonsed then yes, it will take ages for it to get to court and also, you wont need a solicitor. Small claims are specifically geared towards people representing themselves (they are "small claims" after all).

I would reply that as he has refused your goodwill gesture of half of what he is asking for, you will not be making any further offers or paying the disputed amount. Then wait it out. Chances are when he realises that a) it will take ages b) he has to pay the costs upfront and c) him winning is by no mean guaranteed, he wont bother going to court for it.

Sounds like he has cashflow problems and is trying to skank you until his next skanky invoice is paid.