I have receive a summon to come to court because I am being sued for a credit card debt. My debt for the credit card is 2700 plus interest 900 plus attorney and court fees. The total amount is 3,800.00. My court date is set for next month. I called the attorney and tried to settle. But the amout they wanted to me to pay is 1,000 down and 560 dollars for the next 5 months. I can't come up with that much money. Why want the attorney accepted nothing less than this or is it the fact that I must try and negoiate the price down. What are my options if I can't pay and have to go to court? When I get to court what do I tell the judge.

I have recieve a summon to come to court because i am being sued for a credit card debt. My debt for the credit card is 2700 plus interest 900 plus attorney and court fees. The total amount is 3,800.00. My court date is set for next month. I called the attorney and tried to settle. But the amout they wanted to me to pay is 1,000 down and 560 dollars for the next 5 months. I can't come up with that much money. Why want the attorney accepted nothing less than this or is it the fact that i must try and negoiate the price down. What are my options if i can't pay and have to go to court? When i get to court what do I tell the judge.


They are not taking less because they don't have to and, yes, I would try to negotiate down. Of course, if they do negotiate to a lower figure they'll want it all now.

If you have to go to Court you will need a defense to the debt - why you haven't paid it. Financial problems are not a reason.

If you go to Court they could get a Judgment against you and collect by garnisheeing your salary, moving against a bank account.

By all means try to negotiate a better settlement figure.

In the meantime you must answer the complaint in writing regardless of any negotiations with the other attorney. If you do not file an answer they can automatically get a judgement against you and start garnishing your salary.