Webmaster left client in limbo, what to do?

Question

I have a friend that pays someone to maintain his website, including the hosting, but my friend has not been able to contact the webmaster for weeks, and the website is hosted with GoDaddy.com, what can my friend do?

Can he transfer the domain name to a new host that he will sign-up for, and start over?

What legal issues would he face with current web designer?

He has been given limited permission to access the web host for updating his address, etc., will this help with getting into GoDaddy to transfer anything?

Thank you for any serious replies and help!

Answer 1

legal issues--depends on who owns the domain name. If your friend paid for it then he owns the domain name (for the term he signed up for) and can host it wherever he wishes. If he let the webdesigner buy it and it is in web designers name he may have slight problems that only a civil court could decide. He should have full (not limited) access to his own site. Sounds like he needs a reputable web designer.

Answer 2

I want to add what joe h answered. It's not always enough if your friend "paid" for the domain name.

The $64k question is to whom the domain name is registered to and paid DIRECTLY by. If the domain name's indeed registered under the webmaster's name and is paid for by the webmaster's credit card or something similar, then demonstrating ownership towards the domain name WILL be a nightmare.

If by having limited permission to access the web host you mean your friend can only access the website hosting, then s/he at least can do something to the website. Gaining ownerhip and control over the domain name is something only your friend can possibly take it up with the domain provider in question, and that's if the domain name is registered to your friend instead of the webmaster.

Unfortunately this is a typical scenario many people face every other day, especially if they keep relying on others to handle it for them without taking some time to understand a few basic yet crucial ideas about how these things work. Worst case scenario is taking it to Court, and you STILL won't get the domain name if the judge doesn't rule in your favor.

Good luck to your friend.