Hiring craftsmen with financial problems?

Yesterday, a subcontractor of our craftsman was at our place and complained that his invoice had not yet been paid. He rents out excavators. He wanted to know the bank details of our craftsman from us. Allegedly, to find the account through a dunning notice. (How is that supposed to work without a court decision?) We politely declined and asked for understanding. He trotted off and now wants to take legal action.

My question: The craftsman is actually very nice and hardworking. It does not really surprise me that he currently has financial problems. He has 3 children, his car was broken, and he had also told us about an expensive dental surgery. Besides, he only does the work part-time. Otherwise, he is employed, and who knows how much of his salary he is still receiving during the Corona times?

We wanted to do another small project with him just now. But now we are uncertain. Should we urge him to pay his invoices first, or is that none of our business?

Would bring it up. Nothing more. You don't even know what the story is about.

I would address it. Nothing more. You don’t even know what’s true about the story.

Yes, of course we will address that. But would you still issue the next order now?

Yes, of course we will address that. But would you still place the next order now?

Well, why not? You’re not paying in advance. Payment after the work is done and that’s it. Apart from possible hassles, I don’t see much risk.

What is he supposed to do for you?

Do not pay in advance. Then you have no risk.

Supposedly, to have the account found by means of a payment order. (How should that work without a court decision?)

That works without a "court decision" by means of a judicial dunning procedure.

Well, why not? You’re not paying in advance. Payment after the work is done and that’s it. Apart from possible hassles, I don’t see any big risk. What is he supposed to do for you?

Well, this would now be the 3rd job. So far we have always made a down payment (usually about 1/4 of the order value) – he has to advance payments for materials and equipment rentals. The rest then upon completion. For larger sums, depending on the degree of completion, there was sometimes a partial installment. But in the end, always everything tuttipaletti. This time we want a small outdoor kitchen. For that, we need a small base slab with a partly paved area including frost protection, reinforcement, etc. So nothing big.