I hope someone here can help me. I live in West virginia and I received a summons from my local sheriff's office yesterday. It says I am summoned and required to serve upon the plaintiff's attorney within 20 days an answer. The plaintiff is Midland Funding LLC in San Diego, CA. Their attorney is Mapother & Mapother. There is no court date on the paper. It does state that if I fail to contact them within 20 days a judgement by default will be taken against me.

The debt I owe is $3805.50 which includes charges I made and all their added fees. I really don't know what I need to do now. I am unemployed and I do not own anything such as vehicles, property or a home. I am married. Could they go after my husbands wages, assets and checking account even though this credit card was only in my name?

We live from paycheck to paycheck and I don't know how I can repay this amount. I did call and talk to someone today and they told me I either had to pay it in full or make payment arrangements. I can't do either. What happens if I can't pay this? I am so worried as to what can happen to me as we have 2 small children. I've read that they can't put you in jail because of debt. Is that true? Please, Please, if someone can give me some advice, I would appreciate it greatly.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

There are a lot of legal issues in your question.

Perhaps this link would be of some help as I am not familier with W Virginia laws.

Judgments (http://www.lawdog.com/states/wv/judm.htm)

Good Luck

Worried in WV asks: "Could they go after my husbands wages, assets and checking account even though this credit card was only in my name?" No
And: "What happens if I can't pay this?" The plaintiff gets a judgement against you (and your property) that accrues interest in perpetuity.
And: "I've read that they can't put you in jail because of debt. Is that true?" Yes, only if you live in Georgia can you get put in jail for not paying a debt.