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Dentist asking for payment from September 2015

Moneybot
Moneybot Posts: 11,468 Forumite
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My son was receiving orthodontist treatment over several years. I paid for this by standing order from my bank account each month. As far as I was aware all the payments had been taken it was £127.50 a month so I think I would have noticed if it hadn't been taken.

I have now had a letter from the dentist saying the last payment from 28th September 2015 wasn't taken.

I switched bank accounts in December 2015 and no longer have records of payments from that time.

Given the length of time which has lapsed since the alleged missed payment and the demand where do I stand if I just say I'm not going to pay?
Rational judgement, now, at this very moment.

Virtuous action, now, at this very moment.
(Wisdom, Courage, Self-control, Justice)

Willing acceptance - now, at this very moment - of what you can’t change
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Comments

  • da_rule
    da_rule Posts: 3,618 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts
    They would have to prove that you didn’t pay, you would have to prove that you did. You could contact your old bank and see if they still have your old statements.

    The dentist has 6 years to file a claim for non-payment.
  • Aylesbury_Duck
    Aylesbury_Duck Posts: 15,942 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If you refuse to pay they will have to decide if it's worth pursuing. It sounds like they have records that show you didn't pay, whereas you have nothing to confirm either way, so if they do pursue it, you will have to pay.
  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,641 Forumite
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    As suggested speak to your bnk first. Would you not be able to access the statements online ?
  • Les79
    Les79 Posts: 1,337 Forumite
    There's also the idea that, with an unpaid bill, you will likely no longer be welcome at that particular dentist. Might not be an issue if you have others nearby, but something to bear in mind.


    Where you stand depends on what they decide to do; if they take you to court you could end up with a CCJ as well as legally owing the money. If they don't, you'll be fine.


    I would recommend that you obtain bank statements as a matter of urgency to help clarify the situation. That way you can either:


    - Refute the claims if your statement shows that payment was made


    - If you didn't pay it, concede liability and settle the bill IF they make significant noise about taking you to court, and do it BEFORE a judgement is made.
  • Moneybot
    Moneybot Posts: 11,468 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Thank you for the replies.

    This isn't my regular dentist just one we used for my son's treatment. I have asked them to give me a statement of all the payments I made so i can see the total.

    It was paid by standing order so I find it very odd they didn't take the last payment.

    I don't have the bank statements anymore from that account. Will see what they come back with then see if i need to get in touch with the bank.

    Really cross they left it this long to say they are missing a payment surely it should have come up when they did their end of year accounts.
    Rational judgement, now, at this very moment.

    Virtuous action, now, at this very moment.
    (Wisdom, Courage, Self-control, Justice)

    Willing acceptance - now, at this very moment - of what you can’t change
  • Greta_Sharbo
    Greta_Sharbo Posts: 349 Forumite
    Moneybot wrote: »
    Thank you for the replies.

    This isn't my regular dentist just one we used for my son's treatment. I have asked them to give me a statement of all the payments I made so i can see the total.

    It was paid by standing order so I find it very odd they didn't take the last payment.

    I don't have the bank statements anymore from that account. Will see what they come back with then see if i need to get in touch with the bank.

    Really cross they left it this long to say they are missing a payment surely it should have come up when they did their end of year accounts.

    If its a standing order, they dont 'take it' - you (your bank) 'send it'.
    Maybe the bank didnt send it for what could be a variety of reasons.

    Another vote for speak to the bank and if necessary get duplicate statements. Will be very easy to either prove you did pay, or see that you didnt.
  • Moneybot
    Moneybot Posts: 11,468 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If its a standing order, they dont 'take it' - you (your bank) 'send it'.
    Maybe the bank didnt send it for what could be a variety of reasons.

    Another vote for speak to the bank and if necessary get duplicate statements. Will be very easy to either prove you did pay, or see that you didnt.

    It's not my current bank though.
    Rational judgement, now, at this very moment.

    Virtuous action, now, at this very moment.
    (Wisdom, Courage, Self-control, Justice)

    Willing acceptance - now, at this very moment - of what you can’t change
  • Greta_Sharbo
    Greta_Sharbo Posts: 349 Forumite
    And have your old bank told you they cannot provide the information?
  • Moneybot
    Moneybot Posts: 11,468 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    And have your old bank told you they cannot provide the information?

    They haven't replied :(
    Rational judgement, now, at this very moment.

    Virtuous action, now, at this very moment.
    (Wisdom, Courage, Self-control, Justice)

    Willing acceptance - now, at this very moment - of what you can’t change
  • Greta_Sharbo
    Greta_Sharbo Posts: 349 Forumite
    Why not phone them? You could have the answer in the next 10 minutes.
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