Contesting Service Provider Invoice - What are the legalities?

[CWGSY]

Dear All,

We signed a contract with a service provider, whereby they had authority to debit our account of of the invoiced amount at any time during the period.

The issue we have is that we were contesting a number of items on the invoice. Whilst in the midst of contesting, our service provider then proceeded to debit our account of the amount owed in several tranches. We were unaware our service provider would do this as we were yet to see a revised statement. Due to this, our bank took quick action and reversed the payment assuming fraud.

We are still contesting items on the invoice. What I would like to know, is that given there was no mention of what to do in the case of a dispute in the contract, do the service provider have any right to take legal action against us? As mentioned, items on the invoice are still being contested.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. We are unsure how to proceed given that they want to take legal action and we would like an invoice review.

Many thanks for any help, greatly appreciated.

CC

[des8]

Re: Contesting Service Provider Invoice - What are the legalities?

Sounds to me they are using the threat of court action to persuade you to give in.

Anyone can file a claim against anyone they wish.
However they then have to prove their claim.
If your service provider proceeds to court and you defend the claim, he will then have to provide proof.

Have they sent you a "letter before claim"?
How much is being claimed?