I owe past medical bills which went to a collection company. I signed an agreement if I stopped making payments that they would sue me from LA County. Unfortunately, our family had some hardship and I was unable to make payments. They did not want to negotiatiate and sued me. I received a summons. I live in Sacramento. How do I respond to the summons without going to LA?

You agreed that LA County would have jurisdiction. You're stuck with LA County.

You do realize that you don't have to file the response personally, right? You can mail it certified mail, receipt requested.

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You do realize that you don't have to file the response personally, right? You can mail it certified mail, receipt requested.

First class mail will do. If you want, enclosed a self addressed stamped envelope, together with an extra copy of what you want filed, and a note requesting that the extra copy be file-stamped and mailed back to you.

Agree with you but I have found that some Courts are more willing to cooperate than others. I always recommend return receipt, even when it's not legally dictated.