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-   -   Summons for Judgement (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=44111)

  • Nov 21, 2006, 07:55 AM
    FootballGuy
    Summons for Judgement
    I just received a summons, (at 6:00 AM), stating that a credit card is seeking a judgement against me. The card was originally a Chase Manhattan Bank. However, the debt was sold to a debt-collection company - Mann-Bracken, LLC.

    Originally, I heard these guys were bad news and I was advised, (perhaps wrongly), to avoid them. Well, I did for some time but I never sent any validation letter or anything like that. Now, I think it's coming back to bite me.

    But I have an issue regarding this summons - the plaintiff is listed as "Chase Manhattan". I thought that the debt was legally transferred to Mann Bracken. My understanding, though crude, is that Chase took their hand out of these dealings when they sold the debt to a collection agency.

    Is that right? If so, since I have 30 days to write the courts, should I state that Chase is an invalid Plaintiff? :confused:

    Sorry if I left something out. I'm a bit overwhelmed with all this. The debt is about 3 years old or so and I have tried really, really hard since that time to start anew. I settled all of my debts but this one because it was sold to a 3rd party - or so I thought. :(

    Thanks!
  • Nov 21, 2006, 08:17 AM
    mr.yet
    File your notice to defend, File motion for discovery, of the original contract, ask for copy of what they purchased the debt for showing the amount of it.

    The original contract is very important, without the original contract there should be no case.

    Just some suggestions to follow.
  • Nov 21, 2006, 09:54 AM
    FootballGuy
    Hey Mr.Yet, thanks for the suggestions! :)

    A couple of questions though:

    1) When you say ask for the original contract, is that something I should include in the letter responding to the summons or is that something I should direct to the debtors?

    2) If this is something I should direct to the debtors, do I write to Chase or Mann Bracken, LLC?

    3) Lastly, what contract am I asking for - the original one between me and Chase or the one between Chase & Mann Bracken?

    Thanks again for your help!
  • Nov 21, 2006, 10:00 AM
    mr.yet
    THis should be in your Motion for Discovery, since you have to go to court. Directed to whom has filed the suit.

    Original contract you signed from the beginning, if they purchased the debt , they most likely don't have it.

    Check on the rule of the court in your state. It should be online.
  • Nov 21, 2006, 10:04 AM
    ScottGem
    You are asking for the original contract that YOU signed agreeing to make payments on any purchases made with the card. You direct the request to the agency suing you.

    Some other points. While I have also heard horror stories about Mann-Bracken, you were advised wrongly to ignore them. Apparently you did apply for and receive a Chase credit card which you used and defaulted on. It didn't matter whether the debt was transferred, sold or whatever. So you owe the money you defaulted on plus interest. Ignoring a creditor is probably the WORST thing you can do.

    Now, how do you know that they purchased the debt? The may simply be acting as an authorized collection agent for Chase. They may be doing so on a percentage basis (they keep x% of what they recover). Which makes sense then that Chase is listed as the plaintiff.

    The thing is, that often, these collectors are not provided with sufficient documentation. Therefore you want them to provide you with a copy of the original credit agreement (the contract), and a record of purchases and payments and interest accrued. If they can't prove the debt then you are off the hook. If they casn, then you need to work out a payment plan with them.
  • Nov 21, 2006, 10:24 AM
    FootballGuy
    I think I'm following so far. But in regards to my Motion For Discovery, the document I received states the following:
    Quote:

    You are hereby summon to file a written response by pleading or motion, within 30 days after service of this summons upon you, in this court, to the attached Complain filed by:
    And then it goes on to give Chase's information/address. Also, further down the page, it says:
    Quote:

    To the person summoned:
    FAILURE TO FILE A RESPONSE WITH THE TIME ALLOTTED MAY RESULT IN A JUDGEMENT BY DEFAULT OR THE GRANTING OF THE RELIEF SOUGHT AGAINST YOU.

    Personal attendance in court on the day named is NOT required.
    Also, regarding this summons, the "Date Issued" is 10/19/06. 30 days has passed since the date issued. :eek:


    Lastly, when I first received a correspondence from Mann Bracken, I called them and said that the debt was with Chase and they are simply a 3rd party. He said that I had to pay them and that "Chase will tell you the same thing."

    From what I'm understanding, kind of based on what you have suggested and the summons, I need to file a written response motioning for the discovery of the original contract I signed from Chase. Then play the waiting game....

    Does this sound correct? Again, thanks for all the help so far! :)
  • Nov 21, 2006, 10:52 AM
    ScottGem
    The Date issued is not the clock start, it's the date you were served. Contact the court or get a lawyer who can tell you exactly what you need to do to respond. But do not wait, act immediately.

    What MB told you is like what I said, they are a 3rd party acting on behalf of Chase. And yes that's what you need to do now.
  • Nov 21, 2006, 11:46 AM
    FootballGuy
    Hey All,

    Thanks for the help so far! I really appreciate all this. I finally feel like I'm at least headed in the right direction! :)

    Unfortunately, I do not have the money for a lawyer so I think I'll be contacting the court. As exactly what to do, I'm still a bit confused - sorry.

    I think I am to:

    Call the Court in Maryland, (my location), and tell them that I wish to file a written response to the summons. Specifically, I would like to respond by "Motioning for Discovery." But it's here where I get lost. Do I tell the court that I wish to obtain the original agreement between myself and the original creditor, (Chase)? Or, do I seperately tell Chase I want to obtain the original contract and, at the same time, respond to the court with my motioning for discovery and write in that I am contacting the Plaintiff?

    I'm sorry if I'm coming off as naive. I have looked online and there are so many resources, but, I'm not accustomed to what I need, etc.

    Thanks again Mr.Yet and ScottGem for all your insights!
  • Nov 21, 2006, 11:50 AM
    mr.yet
    Football guy, I am in Maryland, Cecil county, was the summons from district court of circuit court?

    I will send you tonight the Maryland rules for procedure.
  • Nov 21, 2006, 12:05 PM
    FootballGuy
    Hey Mr.Yet,

    I'm in the city. If you could give me any leadway into the exact steps I need to take, I'd REALLY appreciate it! Of all things, I don't want to "lose" because I messed up the paperwork. :(

    The summons was from the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.

    Thanks!!!! :)
  • Nov 21, 2006, 12:06 PM
    ScottGem
    I'm not sure if the term Motion for Discovery is correct for this type of action. So basically you tell them, that you want to respond by requesting full documentation of the debt. This should include the original contract and a history of the account showing all charges and payments.

    You do NOT contact the Plaintiff directly. Your dealings are either with the court or the entity that is bringing the action (the 3rd party).
  • Nov 21, 2006, 12:12 PM
    mr.yet
    IN MAryland court once the suit has been filed, one must file with the court Notice of intend to Defend, which is attached to the bottom of the page.Defendant can after that file for Interrogatories to the plaintiff for discovery, not with the court. They have 21 days to respond.

    What is your court date?

    You may have to file for a continance if time is insuffient.

    Maryland court is all about procedure.
  • Nov 21, 2006, 03:53 PM
    mr.yet
    Here is the link to the MAryland Law Library:

    http://www.lawlib.state.md.us/
  • Nov 21, 2006, 10:29 PM
    FootballGuy
    Hey Mr.Yet,

    I'm kind of getting lost. :confused:

    You mentioned that I must first file with the Circuit Court an "Intent to Defend." Then, after that time, file "for Interrogatories to the plaintiff for discovery". But you said that would be filed with the Plaintiff. Does that mean it's not a legal document in the sense that it's not recognized by the court - or court official anyway?

    As for the court date, I actually can't find one anywhere on the summons. It just states that I have 30 days to submit a written response. Does that sound fishy or is that normal?

    Lastly, I went over the link you provided, (Thanks!), and I don't know which form to use. I believe it's the Circuit Court > Civil Non-Domestic one. But after looking it over, I'm not sure of that. :o

    Also, ScottGem, if I'm understanding this correctly, both you and Mr.Yet or suggesting the same thing, right? I apologize if you have to talk down to me but I am basically inept in all this and have only google as a guide. ;)

    Thanks again, guys!
  • Nov 22, 2006, 06:27 AM
    ScottGem
    Yes we are suggesting the same thing. My knowledge is more general in this area, Yet has some more specific knowledge. He said that the Notice of Intent to Defend should have been attached to the summons. If it wasn't, then you need to contact the court to get a copy or find it online.

    Do not hesitate to call the court clerks and ask for help. Its Ok that no court date was specified. First they want to know whether you are going to defend against the action. Once they know that, they'll set a date. After you file the notice to defend, you then request full documentation of the debt from MB.
  • Nov 22, 2006, 08:38 AM
    FootballGuy
    Cool! Now I'm following! :D

    Regarding the summons, there was no Notice of Intent to Defend attached. As per your suggestions, I'm going to call the courts to find out where I may get that form.

    Also, in reference to the Intent to Defend, once I file that, does that mean I have to go to court or would there just be a "Judgement" date - no pun intended?

    Thanks again!
  • Nov 22, 2006, 08:47 AM
    mr.yet
    Once you file the answer with the court they should set a date for the hearing.

    Use the link to the Maryland Law Library to find the rules, it is a searchable site by key words.
  • Nov 22, 2006, 08:59 AM
    ScottGem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by FootballGuy
    Cool! Now I'm following! :D

    Also, in reference to the Intent to Defend, once I file that, does that mean I have to go to court or would there just be a "Judgement" date - no pun intended?

    Thanks again!

    Glad we are getting through ;)

    One or more of several things might happen as a result of your filing the Intent to Defend.

    1) The court will set a date at which both parties will need to appear
    2) MB will drop the suit because they don't have the documentation or its too small an amount to bother fighting for
    3) MB will contact you offering a settlement

    If the third option happens, do not send any money until you have the settlement offer in writing.
  • Nov 22, 2006, 09:27 AM
    FootballGuy
    Well, I went through the site, per your suggestion Mr.Yet, and this time, incorporating everything the both of you have been saying, am not as lost! :D

    After reading over everything here, specifically under the 1 C section, I went to Baltimore City's Circuit Court website. Among the resources listed there, I found this "Forms" section. But I still don't think it's exactly what I'm looking for.
    http://www.baltocts.sailorsite.net/civil/forms.html


    Aside from filing an "Answer" of a Notice of Intend to Defend, do I await the trial date prior to filing anything for the Discovery process?

    Lastly, about the specific scenario. The amount in question is approximately $2,500. As for this case, MB got an arbitration award by the National Arbitration Forum. This trial is just officially substantiating the award - I think.

    Given all these facts, would it be in my best interest to fight or try to settle? I realize that each person and each scenario are unique and there are probably other factors that are to be considered. Right now, for instance, I'm unemployed! :( Thus, I can't afford a lawyer. I am currently a "finalist" for a position I applied for a couple of weeks ago. But, if I get that job, I'll finally have some money. At the same time, because of what's happening at this place, I won't be able to take any time off of work - including the day after Christmas or the Friday before. :eek:

    Sorry to post so much and, again, thanks a ton for being so patient with me! :D

    Oh, and just to throw in, I have NO assets. For the first time ever, that might be a good thing, no?
  • Nov 22, 2006, 09:57 AM
    ScottGem
    We don't know all the facts yet. We won't until you have documentation of the amount of the debt. Until you see that, you do not make any offer to settle. If they can't document the debt you owe nothing.
  • Nov 22, 2006, 10:20 AM
    mr.yet
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by FootballGuy
    Well, I went through the site, per your suggestion Mr.Yet, and this time, incorporating everything the both of you have been saying, am not as lost! :D

    After reading over everything here, specifically under the 1 C section, I went to Baltimore City's Circuit Court website. Among the resources listed there, I found this "Forms" section. But I still don't think it's exactly what I'm looking for.
    http://www.baltocts.sailorsite.net/civil/forms.html


    Aside from filing an "Answer" of a Notice of Intend to Defend, do I await the trial date prior to filing anything for the Discovery process?

    Lastly, about the specific scenario. The amount in question is approximately $2,500. As for this case, MB got an arbitration award by the National Arbitration Forum. This trial is just officially substantiating the award - I think.

    Given all these facts, would it be in my best interest to fight or try to settle? I realize that each person and each scenario are unique and there are probably other factors that are to be considered. Right now, for instance, I'm unemployed! :( Thus, I can't afford a lawyer. I am currently a "finalist" for a position I applied for a couple of weeks ago. But, if I get that job, I'll finally have some money. At the same time, because of what's happening at this place, I won't be able to take any time off of work - including the day after Christmas or the Friday before. :eek:

    Sorry to post so much and, again, thanks a ton for being so patient with me! :D

    Oh, and just to throw in, I have NO assets. For the first time ever, that might be a good thing, no?


    Did you get notice of this:

    "MB got an arbitration award by the National Arbitration Forum. "


    If they have a arbitration award they must have send you a notice of the arbitration hearing??
  • Nov 22, 2006, 12:42 PM
    FootballGuy
    Actually, yeah. That's when I called them the 2nd time.

    When I originally received a correspondence from MB, I called and that's when the guy said I had to deal with them - not Chase. Figuring they were a 3rd party not legally entitled to the debt, I told them I want to receive correspondences from Chase since that's who I had a contract with.

    Later, at some time, I received a letter about Arbitration. I think that's what you're referring to. When I received it, I called MB again. I refused to give them my social security number and was called "uncooperative." After all the stuff I read about Mann-Bracken, the last thing I wanted to do was give them my Social. :mad: Even when I said I had the file ID number, or whatever it might be called, the lady I talked to said I'm wasting her time because she wouldn't look for my records without my social. The odd thing is that the first time I called, all I had to do was verify my address. :confused:

    After doing some research on Arbitration and Debt Collectors, I found that Arbitration, on its own, doesn't carry any legal weight. Once I found that out, I again refused to talk to them. I obviously couldn't call them and I was hung up on on repeated occasions. Well, actually only 2, but that's just rude! :mad:

    I was looking over the summons again and the entire thing is a "Petition to Confirm an Arbitration Award." Is this looking like a bad sign? :( Or, do I still file to defend and then ask for the documentation as mentioned earlier?
  • Nov 22, 2006, 01:00 PM
    mr.yet
    It make your case harder, but do defend. Follow the advice given.
  • Nov 24, 2006, 09:08 AM
    FootballGuy
    Okay, I'm back. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! :D

    Regarding this situation, I called the Circuit Court of Baltimore City today. It was an autimated number. When I pressed "0" for the operator, it just kept ringing and then said "Operator is not available. Exiting the system."

    I was calling to find out how exactly I file an Intent to Defend. :( Does this PDF document appear to be what I want? I found this from the Baltimore City Circuit Court website that was linked to from the link Mr.Yet provided. But, right at the top under the directions, it says that this form it says
    "This information report cannot be accepted as answer or response" - which, unfortunately, is what I was "summoned" to do. :confused:

    At this point, I believe I'm just looking for an Intent to Defend. But, am I also looking for a Motion for Discovery at the moment? I'm kind of looking to avoid a physical trial - if possible.

    Thanks!!
  • Nov 24, 2006, 12:20 PM
    mr.yet
    PLAINTIFF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

    FOR BALTIMORE CITY


    V CASE #

    DEFENDANT



    NOTICE ON INTEND TO DEFEND

    Introductory Certification

    YOUR NAME HERE, the undersigned Affiant,

    Hereinafter “affiant” does solemnly swear, declare, and state as follows:

    1. Affiant's is competent to state matters set forth herewith, and of legal age.

    2. Affiant's has personal knowledge of the facts stated herein.

    3. All facts stated herein are true, correct, and complete in accordance with

    Affiant's best firsthand knowledge and understanding, and if called upon to testify

    As a witness, Affiant's shall so state.


    STATEMENT OF PLAIN FACTS


    State only the fact to the case,

    Admit or deny only.
  • Nov 24, 2006, 01:55 PM
    FootballGuy


    Awesome! Thanks Mr.Yet! A couple more questions though...sorry. :o

    1. This is just something I can put on MS Word and fill out and return to the circuit court?

    2. Under the title "Introductory Certification", do I put anything beyond my address/contract information?

    3. If properly filled out, do I just send this in? No attachments or anything?

    4. And lastly, under the "Statement of Plain Facts", is this were I basically defend myself - citing examples of my effort to contact MB?

    Thanks for all your help! I do sincerely appreciate everything! And again, I apologize for being so "green" if you know what I mean. ;)

    Oh, and just to add, I called the Circuit Court again but failed to reach even an operator. When I went to their website, it doesn't say their closed or anything. :confused:
  • Nov 24, 2006, 03:36 PM
    mr.yet
    2. Nothing else

    3, no attachment, they come later at the hearing

    4. state only what the facts are in this case.
    Mostly read the paper work again, and either admit or deny their statements .

    You must deny you owe the debt, or they will get summary judgment
  • Dec 1, 2006, 09:50 AM
    FootballGuy
    Hello,

    I just wanted to post an update about my situation. Per Mr. Yet's advice, I sent in exactly what he told me to both the plaintiff's attorney, (MB), and the court. As I receive some kind of correspondence from either of them, I'll post back.

    Regardless of the outcome, I just wanted to say "Thanks" for all you guys' help! I went from feeling like I was in a whirlpool to at least being able to enjoy the upcoming holidays! :D

    Again, thanks and I'll update as I receive more information!
  • Jan 12, 2007, 11:31 AM
    FootballGuy


    Just updating ... with some bad news. :(

    I got a letter from the city circuit court today saying that there was an award found in favor of the plaintiff and against me for the amount and court costs.

    Any thoughts on the next step? I find it hard to believe that any credit card company/collector can get an award without ever having to present a contract. :confused:

    EDIT:
    Just thought of something. When I received the original summons from the court, it had the stuff from Mann-Bracken already attached. About a month or so later, I received something with those same letters/proof that was included with the original summons as "evidence." When I sent a letter back to the court, I never received anything back until now - this award. Does that make sense?
  • Jan 12, 2007, 11:43 AM
    ScottGem
    You got a letter? You mean the judge didn't offer a ruling at the hearing? Did he say he was taking the case under advisement? Generally, they don't send such things in a letter unless it's a default judgement. Such rulings should be delivered in person at the time of the hearing.

    Are you sure you didn't miss a hearing?
  • Jan 12, 2007, 06:23 PM
    mr.yet
    File Moton to Vacate, lack of due process, Lack of personal jurisdiction, and subject matter jurisdiction.

    You have the right to face your accusers, I that did not happen you were denied due process.

    Add this statement to your Motion also

    Defendant who is unschooled in the law

    And ask that the court take Judicial Notice of the enunciation of principles as

    Stated in “Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519,” wherein the court has directed that

    Those who are unschooled in law making pleadings and/or complaints shall have

    The court look to the substance of the pleadings rather than the form, and also

    Hereby makes the attached memorandum, including the related documents

    Attached herewith, in the above-referenced case. Furthermore, Defendant hereby

    Requests the judge notify them of any sua sponte, rights or remedies they may

    Overlook.

    Furthermore, Defendant ask that the court take Judicial Notice that statements of

    Counsel in Brief or in oral argument are not facts & before the court, only the

    Parties statements made under oath, and the PARTIES pleadings, motions, etc

    Carry any weight & counsel is not a & “Party to the suit.”
  • Jan 13, 2007, 07:02 PM
    wynelle
    Mr Football Guy--- are you saying that you never took out a credit card and never defaulted on the payments? Or are you just going to court to try and get out of paying?

    It seems that the Court will want you to either deny the debt or to say what the plans are for paying it.
  • Jan 15, 2007, 02:07 PM
    FootballGuy
    Okay, so I finally found the last correspondence I received - this one from Mann-Bracken. It was a copy of what was sent to the courts. Specifically, it was a "Motion to Confirm Arbritration Award and Enter Summary Judgement Against The Defendant"

    After that, I never received anything from the court until I just received the judgement. No trial date missed or anything like that.

    As for the debt, I did deny the charges. More specifically, I sent this in:

    Quote:

    NOTICE ON INTEND TO DEFEND

    Introductory Certification

    NAME, the undersigned Affiant, hereinafter “affiant” does solemnly swear, declare, and state as follows:

    1. Affiant's is competent to state matters set forth herewith, and of legal age.

    2. Affiant's has personal knowledge of the facts stated herein.

    3. All facts stated herein are true, correct, and complete in accordance with Affiant's best firsthand knowledge and understanding, and if called upon to testify as a witness, Affiant's shall so state.

    STATEMENT OF PLAIN FACTS

    The defendant, despite numerous requests to the attorney representatives – Mann-Bracken, LLC - for the Plaintiff, have not received any copy of the Cardmembers Agreement, referenced in the filed Petition to Confirm Arbitration Award. Without this contract nor documented correspondences supporting alleged expenditures, the defendant has no knowledge of this alleged debt AND DENIES OWING THE ALLEGED DEBT.
    Following the notice from Mann-Bracken, LLC regarding the Arbitration Award attempt and preceding the arbitration forum's findings, the defendant contacted the Plaintiff's attorneys again demanding the presentation of the Cardmembers Agreement and expenditures inclusive to the debt in question. Plaintiff's continued refusal to provide verification of the alleged debt speaks of fraud. Defendant hereby demands strict proof of the alleged debt.

    Defendant hereby challenges the jurisdiction of this court to hear the alleged matter before it.
    Whereas, defendant was never service any document for the plaintiff, defendant hereby request the court to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction and improper service.
    I ask the court to take Judicial notice to the court of HAINES v. KERNER, ET AL. 404 U.S. 519, 92 S. Ct. 594, 30 L. Ed. 2d 652. Pro se , to hold to less stringent standards than formal pleadings drafted by lawyers, it appears "beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claim which would entitle him to relief.

    CONCLUSION

    WHEREAS, PLAINTIFF'S FAILURE TO PROVIDE VERITFICATION OF THIS ALLEGED DEBT, FAIL TO PROPERLY SERVE THE ALLEGED Arbitration Award TO THE DEFENDANT. THE COURT LACKS SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION TO HEAR THE ABOVE TITLED ACTION BEFORE IT.
    THEREFORE, the defendant requests that the court dismiss with prejudice the above title action, for want of jurisdiction and no proper service from the plaintiff. Defendant further request that the court grant judgment against the plaintiff for the defendants time and cost in this matter.

    Regarding the next step, I just started a new job. While I really needed it, it might be disastrous if my wages are garnished. :eek: But, with this new job, I would rather not take any time off to try to slug this out. Then again, I shouldn't have to pay this!! All in all, if I send in a notice to vacate, what will happen next? Will I have to meet in person with these people? Should I hire a lawyer? The amount of the award is $2500. I'm not sure how much a lawyer or anything like that would cost and I have no clue what my odds for getting this off my back would even be if I pursued that option.

    Also, there are no directions in the letter from the court. How long do I have to file a response? Can they start garnishing my paycheck next period?

    Lastly, when I sent my response into the court, I thought I sent two copies with a SASE. The more I think about it, I may have only sent in one copy - but with a SASE. Should the court have copied and returned the aforementioned letter if I sent only one copy? Really, I getting paranoid that maybe they didn't get a copy...

    Thanks for everyone's responses. I don't know what I'm doing and thinking about this literally makes me ill. :o
  • Jan 16, 2007, 05:44 AM
    mr.yet
    When you do finally go to court demand to see the original contract, they must have it, if no contract than no claim. Deny all until they produce the original to compare signatures. Remember due process must be afford to both parties. Make should that the plaintiff is there. No plaintiff, no jurisdiction. ALso attorney cannot testify for there client.
  • Jan 16, 2007, 07:31 PM
    FootballGuy
    Okay, so if I got this right, you're saying to file a motion to vacate judgement. Then, assuming the court is okay with that, they'll set a trial date.

    Is that correct?

    Also, regarding the trial, would I need anything that says I want to see the original contract? And, lastly, regarding the motion to vacate judgement, do I just send something to the court - kind of like the original response: 1 copy to the attorneys, two to the courts and a SASE with the copy to the courts?
  • Jan 22, 2007, 05:17 PM
    FootballGuy
    Sorry to be such a pest, but I was just curious if I should send the 3 copies of the Motion to Vacate Judgement in? (1 to plaintiff attorneys, 2 to the court).

    Also, assuming I didn't send anything in, what is the next step? It just kind of seems like everything is very informal right now.
  • Jan 22, 2007, 05:26 PM
    mr.yet
    Yes file them asap with the court ,and mail copy to attorney for the plaintiff.
  • Jan 27, 2007, 02:19 PM
    FootballGuy
    Last question regarding the current situation: Would it be advisable to just hire a lawyer? If so, I'd like to do it prior to sending in a notice to vacate judgement... I think. At the same time, I'm not sure how much a lawyer would cost, but I imagine it would be less than the $2500+ this debt is for. But looking at it financially assumes I'd win and only have to pay a lawyer.

    Any suggestions, please? :confused:
  • Feb 6, 2007, 07:16 PM
    FootballGuy
    More questions...

    I think I'm set on sending the File Moton to Vacate. But I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around this - more for myself than anything. :confused:

    Right now, is the only thing I want to do is send in the File Moton to Vacate? Then, if I'm correct, assuming I get a court date, I can then demand to see the contract, right? My confusion is regarding the whole "Motion of Discovery" thing. Is that something I need to file with the court in order to demand to see the contract or can I just demand to see the contract without filing anything formally?

    And lastly, regarding the original contract, if that is something I need to file, should I send it in with the File Moton to Vacate or wait to see if I get a court date?

    Again, I apologize for asking so many questions. I really feel like hiring a lawyer, but I have no idea how much that would be and most of them suggest I come in and consult. That's fine, but I really can't take time off a job I just started to chat about something that I feel I'm already being properly guided in.

    Sorry for the rant there and I appreciate anything anyone can suggest regarding this matter. I'm really anxious to send out the File Moton to Vacate and hopefully stop any kind of bank account seizing or wage garnishment :eek: but need to make sure I'm doing this properly.
  • Feb 11, 2007, 09:33 AM
    FootballGuy
    Sorry to kind of bump this thread, but I just did what I think is the final copy of the Notice to Vacate Judgement. If anyone could please just give it a look over and please let me know if there is anything I should change, I would REALLY appreciate it.

    Obviously I left out personal information relating to this case.

    And should I file anything else with this? That is, should I just send this in and wait for a response from the court/plaintiff attorneys or should I also write in a motion of dismissal or motion for discovery?

    I'm really just trying to get a chronological outline of what I should be doing.

    Quote:

    N THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF [STATE]
    IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF [COUNTY]

    [Plaintiff] Plaintiff,

    vs.

    [Name] ,
    Defendant.

    No. [COURT REFERENCE NUMBER]

    MOTION AND DECLARATION TO VACATE JUDGMENT

    NOW COMES the Plaintiff, Pro Se and prays this Honorable Court to Deny the Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion for Sanction for the following reasons:
    1. Relief requested. The defendant moves the court for an order vacating the judgment entered in this action and staying enforcement of the writ of restitution until the motion can be heard.
    2. Statement of facts and issues. This motion is based on the following grounds: Lack of due process, lack of personal jurisdiction, and subject matter jurisdiction. The defendant has the right to face his accusers.

    Defendant who is unschooled in the law and ask that the court take Judicial Notice of the enunciation of principles as Stated in “Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519,” wherein the court has directed that those who are unschooled in law making pleadings and/or complaints shall have the court look to the substance of the pleadings rather than the form, and also hereby makes the attached memorandum, including the related documents attached herewith, in the above-referenced case.

    Furthermore, Defendant hereby requests the judge notify them of any sua sponte, rights or remedies they may overlook.

    Furthermore, Defendant ask that the court take Judicial Notice that statements of counsel in Brief or in oral argument are not facts & before the court, only the parties statements made under oath, and the PARTIES pleadings, motions, etc.

    Dated: [Month] xx, 2007
    ______________________________
    Defendant

    Name:
    Address:
    Telephone:

    DECLARATION

    I, [NAME], declare as follows:
    1. I am the defendant in this unlawful detainer action.
    2. I request that the judgment entered in this action be vacated for the following reasons:
    The plaintiff and respective attorneys for the plaintiff never responded to my request for validation, therefore never giving any proof that the debt was mine under the FDCPA.

    I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of [State] that the foregoing statement is true.

    Signed in [City], [State] on [Month] xx, 2007.
    __________________________________
    [Name Printed]


    Oh, and perhaps most importantly, do I have to "file" these papers at the courthouse or just send them in?


    Thanks for all eveyrone's help so far! I truly can't convey that enough!! :)

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