Can a dentist office in the state of Michigan refuse payment on a bill. I owe aprox. 850.00 and I sent them 200.00 and said I would pay 200.00 a month until balance was paid in full. They sent my check back and refused payment. Said they needed full amount owed in 30 days. I am not sure if this makes a difference , but the dentist that did the work died and they said they need to pay his estate. Is this legal for them to do? Does this void the debt? I have refusal of payment in writing.

Can a dentist office in the state of michigan refuse payment on a bill. I owe aprox. 850.00 and I sent them 200.00 and said I would pay 200.00 a month until balance was paid in full. They sent my check back and refused payment. Said they needed full amount owed in 30 days. I am not sure if this makes a difference , but the dentist that did the work died and they said they need to pay his estate. Is this legal for them to do? Does this void the debt? I have refusal of payment in writing.


Unfortunately the Dentist's office is not a bank. What was your original payment agreement? They can't change that. If they agreed to payments they are still bound by that agreement.

But they can refuse payments and take you to Court. It is possible that they are trying to settle the estate and don't want to wait any longer. (I have no way of knowing how old this debt is.)

If you have always paid on time and that hasn't been a problem I don't know why they would refuse $200 now and then 3 monthly $200 payments plus $50. Their legal fees will cost more than that if they pursue you.

This certainly does not void the debt.

AS a small business owner, I am required by law (I had businesses in many states) to accept ANY amount that a customer offers as payment against an outstanding account. I would contact your local Better Business Bureau and also consult with an atty.

AS a small business owner, I am required by law (I had businesses in many states) to accept ANY amount that a customer offers as payment against an outstanding account. I would contact your local Better Business Bureau and also consult with an atty.


Wonder what State the OP is in? I am in NYS and this is not the case - you cannot create a "payments on account contract" if that was not your original agreement.

Which States allow it?

You probably signed a contract like any doctors office or hospital has

All the IF"s -- AND's -- BUTTS -- You pay or we sue -- you sue us --

We sue you... They probably have you by the contract