It is about $1300 dollars on an old credit card, we have really seen hardtimes. It is a 3rd party creditor. We own to 20 yr old cars, a checking account, a child support debt, medical debt and nothing else. I just want to know how to deal with court that day, etc ? Thank you Gary and Debbie

Sounds like your debt is minimal, don't file bankrutcy unless you have property they could put a lean on. If you show up in real pitiful looking shape they will probably just let it go anyway.

Have you responded to the summons?

What correspondence have you had with the plaintiff?

If you can't pay the debt, the court will award the plaintiff a judgment. With this judgment they can attach your bank accounts. They may not be able to do anything immediately, but the judgment will last for 7-10 years maybe double that.

Yes, if you appear in court looking badly, that will only go worst on you. They will wonder if you don't have respect for the court.

You cannot go to jail for being broke; blame the recession like the rest of America. Ignore harassing debt-collectors that make it hard to live your life and pick up the pieces for the constant phone annoyance. Pay back what you can when you can

They are not going to offset your bank account for $1300. Look presentable, but not overly dressed. Do not file bankruptcy on an amount of that nature; what if down the line you have serious medical bills totaling huge amounts.