From This is Money:
But their dreams of a happy retirement have been shattered and their 21-year marriage has been brought close to breaking point – all because of a bitter dispute with their buildings insurer, Axa Spain.
Retired teacher Barrie, 67, and Janet, 68, face financial ruin. They own a property rendered uninhabitable because of structural damage caused by a leak from a water main. They cannot sell it and now owe more than £39,000 to banks, credit card companies and friends.
The mounting debt is the result of a costly legal battle with Axa Spain, which has involved them employing architects and surveyors.
The couple have also had to rent an apartment for the past two years.
Janet, a former senior administrator at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, has moved back to Lewes, East Sussex, to stay with friends because she is so distressed.
Spanish builders have told the couple it will cost about 110,000 euros (£98,000) to repair the damage – money they do not have.
The…
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