I got a summons for debt, now what do I do?

[slakjaw]

I have had this old credit card debt for some time now. Today I received a summons. I do not know what to do next, do I need to retain a layer?

The debt is for 4600.00

I called them on Friday and got a settlement amount. I was going to mail the check today. Until the creepy looking dude came to my front door. Do I call the collection people (Messerli and Kramer) or is this now something that will need to be handled in the courts only?

Thanks,
Slakjaw

[Nathans_Dad]

Pay the debt?

If you can't afford to pay the debt I think that you will need a lawyer to settle the issue if they have issued a summons for a court.

[TerryH]

Tell them you'll pay half or negotiate something less. Most of that amount is probably late fees and interest by now.

[the]

If you negotiate a reduced amount, and pay that amount, be sure that before or when you pay, you get a signed RELEASE from them.

Something in writing that says that although they are taking an amount LESS than the full debt, they are taking it in satisfaction of the FULL debt, and are completely releasing you from any other claims.

[the]

BTW, at this point, you can still resolve it, but just be sure to keep an eye on your response date set forth on the summons. In most states it's around 30 days from the date you were served.

Do NOT let that date pass without doing what needs to be done. Because the second that date passes, if you haven't taken care of it, they will take your default and the matter will be much harder for you to resolve.

Basically, by the response date, you will need to have filed an answer or other response with the court. That info should be on the summons.

Or, if you settle with them before that date, make sure you have some kind of written confirmation from the court that the case has been dismissed and no response by you is necessary.

If I were you, I'd try to settle it myself. Tell them you have no money to pay, and have other debts and will probably file BK, but that you can scrape some money together if they are interested in that. Offer $1000 to start.

You can get a lawyer, but that's not a good first start, because if you hire a lawyer, that tells them you have money. Try to settle yourself first.

[MRM]

Email me. I'll have a word with my friends.