Dear Madam or Sir,
I kindly request your advice. I have a credit debt about to be pushed through to a judgment over the next 10 days. I am proceeding to the court to “answer” the court’s request for a reply. I can pay the debt in full but not before the 10 days are up. The lawyer firm is adamant about pursuing the judgment. Every time I speak with them they say something different and yet the judgment proceedings continue. They will not put their statements in writing either. I need more time and no more than 30 days to pay the debt off in full. They will not accept any sort of payment plan. I am also and have been unemployed for nine months and do not receive unemployment. I reside in the state of Arizona.
What should I state in the “answer/ reply” to the court? I do not want to admit to the debt if it pushes me quickly into a judgment. I am considering sending a “good faith” payment of $100.00 as of now. It is all I can do at this time.
Is there anything specifically I should not mention in my reply to the court?

Thank you for your time.

Do NOT send any payment. Your answer to the summons is simply to state your Intent to defend against the suit. You do not have to specify why. The deadline listed in the summons is the time you have to respond to the summons, not by when you have to pay. But stating your Intent to Defend a court hearing will be scheduled.

You will also send a copy of the Intent to Defend to the plaintiff asking for documentation of the debt and their right to collect it. Give them a time limit to respond. You can also indicate that, if they can verify the debt you may be willing to discuss a lump sum settlement.

Then see what happens.

Consult debt counseling, they'll help anyhow you willing to pay. At the court they'll handle them