Hello, I live in FL. I received a letter from a collection law firm stating I owe their client 10,000. I do owe them, but my original debt was only 5,000. To make matters worse, I see there is a default judgment against me regarding this case. I never received a summons for this. Looking at the records for the clerk of courts. I wasn't even in town when it was supposedly served. I'm really at a loss here. I can't afford to pay them 10,000. Is there a chance I could work out some kind of settlement with the firm? If I have to pay them this amount I am going to have to look into BK. Any help and guidance is appreciated.

You need to file with the court for invalid service, this will do away with the judgement. ( assuming they don't have proof of valid service that the court will accept) They can file again if within time frame.
Once they have a judgement, normally they are not as willing to deal but you can try but always get it in writing.

5000 becomes 10000 over time due to interest, court fees, and big attorney fees for taking you to court for judgement.