I posted the message 'received court summons' on July 29 and am still trying to resolve this. I talked to plaintiffs attorney and they are willing to settle the 3,000.00 debt for 1,600.00 cash now but I can't get that amount of money. He is willing to work out a payment plan for the whole debt but it will have to be paid by money-order, cashiers check or debit card by phone. I won't go into the long story but it is too difficult for me to get cashiers check or money-order. I often pay my utility bills over phone with debit card but the attorneys want my bank info so they can automatically take out the required amount each month.
My question is how can I be sure they will only take out what I have authorized and as often as I have authorized? How can I be sure they will contact the court so the court knows we have made payment arrangements and won't be going to court? What sort of written documentation should I ask them for?
Thank you for any assistance.

I would tell them that I want the terms in writing that they agree to not take more than the agreed amount out each month. If you call in the payments with the debit card tell them you want a confirmation number each time. I would tell my bank that you do not give them permission to electronically withdrawal more than the agreed amount. Tell them you want a receipt each month. Cover your bases every which way you can think of.

I would never give bank info to debt collectors. Find another way.