I received a summons today to appear in court next week. It is for a Capital One credit card for $2145.00 + costs. I know I have to go but what should I expect? Are they going to ask me questions and most importantly are they going to make me pay the whole balance or will I still be allowed to make arrangements. Also, I live in Illinois, is it allowed in my state for them to garnish my paycheck?

Thanks,
M

This hearing will be to legally establish weather or not you owe the money. If you do not appear a judgement will be entered against you and you will not ever be able to claim that you do not owe the money. If you concede or admit you owe the money a judgement will be entered. If you claim you do not owe the money, in all likelihood a new court date will be set for trial to determine if you do indeed owe the money. If a judgment is entered the plaintiff will have various ways of collecting. One may or may not be garnishing wages. The plaintiff may also be able to attach property. You may always approach th plaintiff and attempt to work out some arrangements for payment. However the plaintiff is not obliged to accommodate you. The plaintiff will do whatever appears to be the best way of getting the money owed. If a judgment is entered against you, you will have a specified time to appeal. After that time has expired the plaintiff will be entitled to take all legal steps to collect.