Advice on a website being held hostage?

Hello SEO community... I need advice on a problem with my husband's business website. The website has been operational for 10 years, but we recently discovered a serious issue. After my husband dealt with health issues and returned to work, we found that the website was redirected to a former assistant's webpage. This individual helped with website tasks in the past, but there are no signed contracts between them. The former assistant is demanding a large sum to restore access to the website, even after we paid them partially. We have no formal agreement with them, and they claim ownership of the domain. We are meeting with a lawyer and seeking support from Wix. Any advice on handling this situation efficiently and quickly would be appreciated.

This is a serious situation, and it’s important to act quickly and strategically. First, you should gather all evidence related to the website, including any contracts, invoices, and communication history. This documentation will be crucial for legal action. Second, secure a copy of your website data, including content, images, and files. Consider using a website backup service to prevent data loss. Since the website’s domain is the main point of contention, you should contact the domain registrar immediately and explain the situation. Many registrars have policies that may help in this scenario, particularly if you can prove you are the rightful owner. It’s essential to contact the registrar and inform them about the situation to initiate a domain dispute resolution process. Lastly, while seeking legal advice is vital, consider exploring alternative solutions. Negotiation and mediation could be helpful in resolving the situation without resorting to expensive litigation. Remember to prioritize your website’s security and data integrity, and be proactive in securing it.