[QUOTE=ScottGem]First, you don't call them. You respond to the court that issued the summons with your intent to defend. You then send a copy of that response to the plaintiff. In the cover letter you request verification of the debt and their right to collect it. You can indicate that, if they can verify the debt, you would be interested in discussing a payment plan.

Thank you to Scott for your information! I have spent the last few nights researching the internet on what I am supposed to do regarding this summons. Some of the info that I found on the internet said that I should get a lawyer- is this something I should be doing? Also, other information said that I should file my answer at the courthouse, and I will be given a date to to come back to the court- so basically I will have to go to court to resolve this?

I am very nervous, scared, and I feel like I have no options. I guess most of all- I am very worried that they will want the full amount (about $3500) right away and there will not be an option for any kind of payment plan as mentioned.

I had always paid my bills on time and then I spent a year with some serious medical issues and medical bills, since then I have been trying hard (w/ (2) part time jobs) to get back on feet with my bills, but it is completely overwhelming and exhausting.
I am even considering taking a loan out against my 401K to pay this off... I am not sure if this is the right way to go about it, but I really don't want to go to court or have my wages garnished.

Is filing my answer and going to court the right way to go about this? Will it even get to the point of having to go to court?

If you have a way to pay it, that is your best option in place of defending yourself in court.

If they can't verify the debt, you could win?

You might be able to offer them a reduced settlement to avoid going to court?

You do have options, you just have to decide which one to use.

If you go to court, and loose, you will also have to pay all the costs related to the suit.