Painter with whom we have dispute but tried to resolve by a) involving Checkatrade & b) trying to follow Checkatrade's advice (to him and to us) by seeing him to discuss, has now issued claim for the money (& a court fee). We are willing to admit part payment - there were a lot of problems. Painter has not followed advice to settle dispute nor it seems court protocols by trying to settle before considering a claim
Query 1 - running out of time. Have completed an Acknowledgement of Service but need to complete an admission form and defence. They include a lengthy set of questions about income/expenses/debts. Would the claimant be able to see this very personal information online (he may have issued his claim online) or is it for the court's attention only, at least at this stage?
Query 2: Notes to defendents say if you admit only part of the claim, you need to send admission and defence forms to court within 14 days of service. But notes to claimants say that if a defendent admits only part, they can complete an AOS and have, from date of service, 28 days. I wonder which is correct? I hope the latter as we are nearing the end of the 28 days from date of service. I have had to make enquiries, dig into the painter's Checkatrade profile etc.
Any help with either/both query would be gratefully received!