Contractor rip off

[LEODUCHARME@MSN.COM]

I hired two carpenters after checking the licence and insurance provide. One of the carpenters had the ins. so I went ahead with it. I asked if they pulled the permits etc. which of coarse they said yes. Long story short "it was a complete scam" They took my money did a little work asked for more money then didn't come back. after contacting a lawyer the one with the insurance was served, but the other guy was dodging. After a while he took off to Florida or California. My lawyer told me we could not proceed without serving both guys. Is there a way around this ? I heard of people putting it in the paper "for them to show up" and when they don't you may proceed without said person. These two have multiple offences of this type and an arm load of others "convictions". The one I checked out did have insurance at the time we had a signed agreement.