DebtHater
Jan 21, 2008, 12:26 PM
My parents received a phone call from a lawyer asking for my wife. My parents refused to give our contact information but rather promised to relay a message, which they did.
I contacted the lawyer today who advised us that my wife is being sued for a credit card debt. Background story - short version of the long - my wife had medical problems which forced the doctor to take her out of work for 6-8 months, which involved a prolonged hospital stay. Our income during that time - before taxes - $22,000/year.
The credit card had a limit of $1000, but is still evidently accruing interest at ~30%, so now the balance is up to ~$2400. The credit card company has not contacted us in months regarding this situation. Last conversation we had with them was a continued advisement that we would pay when we could.
Back to present day, the lawyer says we are being sued for this debt and they are looking into wage garnishment. However, we have not received a summons or lawsuit paperwork, nor any communication stating this was even being considered.
Where do we go from here? I am assuming it was some sort of assistant we spoke with and now the lawyer directly - she would not tell me anything regarding a time frame or what the lawyer would do.
We are making extra money now and working to pay debt off, but she would not even consider monthly payments unless they were at least $400-$500/month, or a complete settlement at the beginning.
I have heard that a judge can rule in our favor because we don't make any extra income to make extra payments and we are not living an extravagant life. If we don't make the money, can they still take our money?
Any advice on this would be appreciated!
I contacted the lawyer today who advised us that my wife is being sued for a credit card debt. Background story - short version of the long - my wife had medical problems which forced the doctor to take her out of work for 6-8 months, which involved a prolonged hospital stay. Our income during that time - before taxes - $22,000/year.
The credit card had a limit of $1000, but is still evidently accruing interest at ~30%, so now the balance is up to ~$2400. The credit card company has not contacted us in months regarding this situation. Last conversation we had with them was a continued advisement that we would pay when we could.
Back to present day, the lawyer says we are being sued for this debt and they are looking into wage garnishment. However, we have not received a summons or lawsuit paperwork, nor any communication stating this was even being considered.
Where do we go from here? I am assuming it was some sort of assistant we spoke with and now the lawyer directly - she would not tell me anything regarding a time frame or what the lawyer would do.
We are making extra money now and working to pay debt off, but she would not even consider monthly payments unless they were at least $400-$500/month, or a complete settlement at the beginning.
I have heard that a judge can rule in our favor because we don't make any extra income to make extra payments and we are not living an extravagant life. If we don't make the money, can they still take our money?
Any advice on this would be appreciated!