Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Colorado

We bought our home a couple years ago with an unfinished basement and some remodeling work to be done. My girlfriend's boss/co-worker (at the time) said he wanted to help us with the home remodel and finish the basement. He consistently offered his knowledge and experience in exchange for lunch while helping us. At no time did we ever agree to pay him for any of the work as he always volunteered (or sometime even just stated he was doing the work) on his own. It was great until we had a falling out with him and my girlfriend ended up having to quit her company and we have since accessed contact with him. That is, until a few weeks ago when he sent us an invoice for materials and labor in the amount of $18,500. Again, there was never any written, signed, or verbal agreement that we would ever pay him for services. The "invoice" is from a constuction company he used to own that still exists only on paper. Does he have any legal standing for this bill?


Asked on 4/05/16, 10:46 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert Murillo Pivotal Legal Ltd.

Standing has a very specific meaning in law and this is not an issue of standing. You are asking, I think, whether he can sue. The answer to that is that yes he can sue. That does not mean he would win. It would come down to whether than was any agreement (remember, agreements don't have to be in writing) and the evidence to back up that agreement.

As with many of these things, these are often little more than idle threats. Maybe he would file small claims and see or maybe an attorney will contact you to demand this. If that happens, talk to an attorney ASAP.

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Answered on 4/05/16, 12:22 pm
Stephen Harkess Colorado Legal Solutions

If a judge believes things went exactly as you have described, then he has no legal claim.

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Answered on 4/05/16, 12:45 pm


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