I'm being sued by a credit card company, even though I am currently unemployed.
They said they would put a judgement against me that would last 20 years.. what exactly does that mean? Is that worst then filing for bankruptcy? What can I do when I go to court?

If you have been serve a summons to appear in court, than they are suing you, if not they are trying to scare you.

If you received a summons, file Notice of Intend to Defend. They will make them appear in court to verifiy they have a claim against you.

A judgement is not worse than bankruptcy. In order to get a judgement they have to take you to court and have a judge order you to pay. That is a judgement. When you appear in court you are able to tell the judge your circumstances and offer a payback arrangement that meets your situation, i.e.. $10.00 per month. Judgements only last as long as it takes you to pay it off. When the debt is paid a judgement is released. It is important the release be filed so it appears as a satisfied judgement on your credit report.

Try offering the collection agency a minimum every month, to show you are willing to pay.

If they don't take it, let them take you to court and tell it to the judge. As long as you are willing to pay something should be able to be worked out.

A judgement is not worse than bankruptcy. In order to get a judgement they have to take you to court and have a judge order you to pay. That is a judgement. When you appear in court you are able to tell the judge your circumstances and offer a payback arrangement that meets your situation, ie. $10.00 per month. Judgements only last as long as it takes you to pay it off. When the debt is paid a judgement is released. It is important the release be filed so it appears as a satisfied judgement on your credit report.

Try offering the collection agency a minimum every month, to show you are willing to pay.

If they don't take it, let them take you to court and tell it to the judge. As long as you are willing to pay something should be able to be worked out.


I would like to pay, but I am in a huge dilemma. I'm not working so I have no income and the only monies I get is my son's SSI money which I use to pay my rent so I don't become homeless with a 1 year old and I'm left with 88 dollars for the rent of the month which I have to use for basic neccessties, such as diapers and food. It's so hard living on a fixed income. But can they make me pay even if I have to live on less then 20 dollars per week?:

They have to take you to court to make you pay. The collection account will be on your credit report as will a judgement. If they take you to court you should go and explain your situation to the judge and see what he says.

Is it possible that someone can help with your baby so you can work a few hours a week? Maybe share time with another mom. You watch hers and then she watches yours so you can get some extra money?

That baby was born premature with a few complications. He will turn 2 this month an and I have started looking for a daycare for him. I really don't know anyone I trust with him so a daycare is a much controlled environment for me to put him in. I have worked all my life so my bills were always paid, the pregnancy was a minor set back for me. Well I go to court this month lets see what happens, I was almost about to file for bankruptcy. Because I truly have no money, since a judgement isn't worst then that I will just take my chances.

Thank you for all your advice.

If you have been serve a summons to appear in court, than they are suing you, if not they are trying to scare you.

If you received a summons, file Notice of Intend to Defend. they will make them appear in court to verifiy they have a claim against you.


Thank you for your advice.

If you don't appear to the summon then what