Received court summons from former landlord for damages to property. Even though we think this is an unfair amount. Also, the former landlord claims to have sent a bill a few months back which we never redcvd maybe due to the change of address. So we would like to make a full lump-sum payment. Reason being, we cannot afford the extra costs - legal fees, court fees, travel fees since we moved to another state. How do I go about negotiating a discount and dismiss the case so I won't have to go to court? please help!

It may be too late, since he has already paid the court all of the court fees, ( he does not get those back)

You can call up the attorney or landlord and ask them if they will accept >>>> dollar amount for payment in full, if it is a reasonable amount they may accept it, but get it in writing from the landlord he has to send you a paper stating he will accept .... as payment in full before ... date. Once paid you submit that to the court, since you want the court to know it is paid with a request to have the case dismissed. but most likely at this point don't expect much of a discount.

How do I go about negotiating a discount and dismiss the case so I won't have to go to court? please help!

How? That's simple, you contact the plaintiff or their attorney and make an offer. They may make a counter offer or just says 'see you in court'. Its totally up to them.

But I would recommend if they refuse to negotiate that you pay it. There is a small likelihood you can win. The landlord apparently has receipts from contractors to prove the costs. Whether you think it unfair or not, a judge is not likely to question the receipts, especially if you have nothing to show them out of line.