Legal Question in Construction Law in California
My contractor commited suicide in the middle of our project. I have paid him deposits for many items that have not been delivered. In addition, subcontractors have not been paid, although we paid the contractor for the services. I am in contact with the bond company, but the limit is low. What can I do to put a lien on his estate to reimburse us for services not delivered?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Make a claim to the administrator of the estate -- usually a spouse. It's an unfortunate situation and probably one that none of his family members probably would want to deal with. You have ONE YEAR in which to bring a lawsuit against his estate. In the meantime, if you're financially able, have the remainder of the work done, or at least estimated, so you know the value of completion, which might not be the same as the original estimate.