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Asked to pay for a full year of an online community subscription after termination. How to respond?

Hello,

I would like to get your opinion on this matter.

I subscribed to an annual subscription of an online community and paid for the first month. Within 20 days, I sent an email requesting to terminate my account.

Now, after 5 months, I have received a legal notice stating that I am required to pay for the entire year, even though I haven't used the service.

How should I approach this situation?

Thank you!

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MBC Legal Consultants
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30 May 2024, 08:47

Hello,

I'm Sakina Dickenwala from MBC Legal.

Thank you for your enquiry!

30 May 2024, 08:48

Under UAE regulations, a consumer holds the entitlement to end a contract within a specified timeframe, typically 7 days, without facing any penalties or fees.

Yet, this prerogative might not extend to online subscriptions or services.

It's imperative to scrutinize the contract's terms and conditions to ascertain if there's a clause regarding early termination and any consequent charges.

Should such a clause be absent, you might still retain the right to terminate the contract if the service provider breaches its terms, such as failing to deliver the promised services or goods.

In such instances, you could attempt to negotiate with the service provider for contract termination and reimbursement for the portion of the subscription not utilized.

If negotiation fails, potentially lodging a complaint with the relevant consumer protection authority in the UAE may be necessary.

Maintaining thorough records of all correspondence and documentation concerning the contract and termination request is crucial for potential legal proceedings.

To sum up, a meticulous examination of the contract's terms and conditions is pivotal in understanding your rights and avenues for terminating the contract.

30 May 2024, 08:48

We can have a quick call to discuss further.

I am available via phone or email.

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Mohamed Bakheet Advocates & Legal Consultants
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30 May 2024, 08:47

Send a legal warning explaining the incident and refusing to pay because you did not benefit from the service.

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London Center for Legal Consultancy Office
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30 May 2024, 09:02

Dear Questioner,

Do you keep the mail sent to them?

Do not pay them anything. Tell them that you have requested to cancel the service and send them a copy of the sent mail.

For further inquiries about your topic, you can reach our office or contact us on WhatsApp at [------] or share your WhatsApp number so we can contact you.

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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30 May 2024, 09:04

Dear Questioner,

In this situation, it's important to review the terms and conditions of the subscription agreement you entered into with the online community. Here are steps you can take to address the legal notice:

1. Review the Subscription Agreement:

Carefully review the terms and conditions outlined in the subscription agreement, paying close attention to clauses related to termination, cancellation, and refunds.

Look for any provisions that may specify your rights and obligations regarding early termination of the subscription.

2. Check for Validity of the Notice:

Ensure that the legal notice you received complies with legal requirements and is valid. It should clearly state the basis for the demand for payment and provide sufficient details regarding the alleged breach of contract.

3. Seek Legal Advice:

If you're unsure about your rights and obligations under the subscription agreement or the validity of the legal notice, consider consulting with a legal advisor who can provide you with personalized advice based on the specifics of your situation. They can review the agreement and the notice and advise you on the best course of action.

4. Respond to the Notice:

If the legal notice appears to be valid and raises legitimate concerns, it's important to respond in a timely manner. You may choose to dispute the claims made in the notice, assert any defenses you may have, or attempt to negotiate a resolution with the online community.

5. Document Communication:

Keep records of all communication with the online community, including emails, letters, and any other correspondence related to the subscription and the termination request. This documentation may be useful if the matter escalates further.

6. Consider Settlement:

Depending on the circumstances and your objectives, you may consider negotiating a settlement with the online community to resolve the dispute amicably. This could involve agreeing to pay a reduced amount or reaching another mutually acceptable arrangement.

7. Explore Dispute Resolution Options:

If you're unable to reach a resolution through negotiation, you may explore alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration, if provided for in the subscription agreement.

By taking these steps and seeking appropriate legal advice, you can effectively address the legal notice and work towards resolving the dispute with the online community.

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KHE Legal Consultancy
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30 May 2024, 09:17

Hello dear questioner,

This depends on the terms of the contract between you and the contracting party. If the contract allows for annulment, then your action is correct and you may not pay.

We must know what the contract stipulates so that we can respond to you legally.

For further clarification, please share your WhatsApp number.

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Alawi Aljaberi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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30 May 2024, 09:32

If you have asked them to terminate, then we have to give a strong reply to the legal notice.

Please reach our senior legal consultant Mr. Muhammad Abdullah at [-----] for further details.

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