Can l sue for harrasment?

[Stella66]

I have a finacial despute with someone who wants me to pay for the services which she did not carryout. Her husband, who is not part of the deal, has come to my house twice shouting outside my door and thretening me, in front of my young children.(Im a lone parent) and i think he is taking advantage of that. Can l sue him for harassment, or should l mention that when we go to court, because he says he will take me to a small claims court.
My children are now terrified when they hear a knock at the door.

[jackthehat]

I can't see the threads where *anyone* has complimented the husband on his 'people-skills'............

His bad behaviour, however, does not exonerate Stella from paying what she owes.

[DTCwordfan]

No - his behaviour is obnoxious...

[Stella66]

Sorry Dt l was putting the kids to bed. I hace 3 you see. Going back to your question, the children have been complaining for a while about her. She snaps and spend most of the time on the phone rather than doing some activities with her. I talked to her about it, and she told me her father was not well so she is not herself. I asked her if l could have the children while she sought herself out, but she said she can handle it. When this escalated to forgetting to give children food, and letting then on the tramboline unsupervised that was it.

[DTCwordfan]

Thanks and that makes good reason for your concern.

How was your contract worded as to termination of her services. That will be the crunch in front of a court.......and should provide the base for how you negotiate with her.........On one hand, if your clause protects you completely, then offer her as small sum for goodwill if overall you think she has been pretty good over time. At the other extreme you have to pay her the cancellation fee/period.

And contact the police soonest as to her husband's unreasonable and menacing behaviour

Sorry if I was harsh but it did look like that you had done a runner (electronically) as some do when challenged here on AB

[Stella66]

The last time l saw her, l told her the reason l was terminating the contract and that we have to agree on the payment for the notice period. She phoned to ask when l was going to pay her. I aksed for an invoice, but she has not done it. I dont even know how much she thinks l owe her. The husband is demanding that l make payment now but cannot say how much.

[DTCwordfan]

So send her a cheque soonest for the minimum amount of the termination period - and register the delivery or use a courier so that it is 'witnessed'..........just in case they cause greif about its delivery. I am sure that you know the amount involved.

[DTCwordfan]

and I am signing off as I cant spell grief properly!!!!! Time for bed....

[Stella66]

Thank DC, but police first thing tomorrow.

[DTCwordfan]

Yes - very much......let us know how it all goes.

And sleep tight.....

[pink-kittens]

how does she/did she 'treat' them?
Not having snacks does not put them at risk but then you say she 'forgot to give them food'?? Snacks or meals? You are not very clear at all
Explain her bad behaviour?
You are very lucky you do not have a written contract as the minder could have taken you to court for non payment, and won. No minder has ever lost a case for fees owing and it doesn't cost them a penny, their insurers do it for them and the NCMA will also get involved.
You are also very stupid not to have had a written contract (but the minder is as well) as this means YOU were putting your children at risk yourself because with no contract I can bet your minder has no record of the children being in her care and heaven forbid they fell seriously ill and you could not get to a hospital to give permission for treatment.
Why would you do that? Why would you put your own children at risk? You must take a good chunk of the responsibility for this