I have been sued by a credit card company in NJ for a little over 5,000. I received the summons almost a month ago. I have been in a dept program for about 6 months and they are trying to negotiate with the credit card company. My dept program just mailed me a letter stating that time to answer is almost up so I will file my answer soon. My question is how do I answer the special civil letter since there is no option on the letter for "negotiation". Do I just add my own note saying that I or my dept program is trying to negotiate? Also after I file and since I am trying to negotiate can they take away money from my checking accounts, etc. I do own a home. Can they do something with that? I have never been in this situation and don't know anything about the law in NJ. I just scared because I can barely afford to pay my mortgage from month to month. Can someone answer this? Thanks.

If more than 30 days have pass since you were served the summons, than a default judgment has been enter against you.

If not File Notice of intend to defend now!!

All you need to do is file your intent to defend. You do not need to say why at this point. Your reason is you have offered a settlement.