I have been served an initial summons for a hospital bill and am required to respond within 35 days. Is there anything specific I must include in the answer letter? How should I word it? Is it possible to avoid court at this point?

Yes its possible to avoid court, pay the bill or negotiate a settlement payment plan.

As to your response, it depends on whether you feel this is a valid debt or not.

Yes its possible to avoid court, pay the bill or negotiate a settlement payment plan.

As to your response, it depends on whether you feel this is a valid debt or not.

It is a valid debt. I just want to make sure I include all information possible. Should I make payment arrangements or what? Its kind of frustrating because I don't even know what to write!

Write them a letter stating that you would like to arrange a payment plan to settle your account out of court. Give them your contact information so that they're able to reach you and come to some sort of compromise.

Even if you write them a letter you still need to file a formal Answer to the Summons and Complaint in the lawsuit or you will have a default judgment entered against you. This is a "just in case scenerio" in case you don't settle with them.

First respond to the summons. Just state that you intend to defend the suit. Then contact the creditor and offer to make payment arrangements.