After deciding to spend thousands of dollars to upgrade his bathroom, Mitch Blobstein was hoping for a dream renovation.
Two years ago, he hired a father-son team to complete the work in his home.
Instead of a perfect new bathroom, Blobstein was left with crumbling grout, a shower door that doesn't close, and leaks.
Unsatisfied with the work, he hired an inspector for an expert opinion. The inspector's report concluded that the job did not measure up to standards.
Blobstein decided to sue, and recently won his case by default because the other party never showed up in court.
He's owed $7000, plus $1500 in fees -- for a total of $8500.
But Blobstein just discovered that the company he hired has no assets; therefore, he may never see the money.
"They have absolutely nothing under their name that I can touch," Blobstein told On Your Side reporter Tania Krywiak.
Legal advice
CTV News took the case to lawyer Antoine Aylwin of the international business law and litigation firm Fasken Martineau.
Aylwin explained that before taking any legal action, people in situations similar to Blobstein's should find out if the company is solvent or if there are assets that can be seized.
"If there's nothing you can put a hold on, it's the risk of the process," Aylwin said.
Consumers can also take legal action to claim money from individuals or businesses that declare bankruptcy and then start up under a new name.
The legal proceeding is called a void. Normally, after nine months, a person who filed for bankruptcy is cleared of all debts. But if there is a void, the bankruptcy status remains after those nine months -- meaning any money that comes in will be used to pay off creditors.
The Young Bar Association of Montreal offers help to frustrated consumers looking for guidance, but first you'll need a date in small claims court.
The association can help guide you through the process for free, and services are available in English.
There is a fee for any additional legal advice.
For more information, click here.
