Hi!
I live in MA.
I have been received a Summons in mail ( sent by first class mail ). I didn't take it seriously, as it wasn't served properly. There was no court date in it. It only stated that I owe the collecting company in the amount of $4000.
I DO owe the amount, and was planning to pay it or ask for a settlement.
I did NOT respond to the Summons. It's been 5 weeks since I received it.
Now I received another document in mail. It includes:

- Request for Default Rule under 55(a)
- Memo of damages
- Request for default rule 55(b)(1) and
- Affidavit of Notice

I basically don't own anything other than my car, which I use to go to work. I don't have savings. A good chunk of money goes to child support and to my child's tuition.
I can not even offer to make small payments to the collection agency.
If they garnish my paycheck or freeze my account, I wouldn't be able to pay the child support, tuition and my rent.
What are my options here? I don't want to file bankruptcy, as I know the consequences.
I would really appreciate, if you could give me some legal advice on how to respond to the ''Request for Default Rule''.

Thanks!