:( Hello could someone please tell me how to respond late to a summons letter that was delivered to me from attorney representing amex.. it was served to me on July 4th and gave me 20 days excluding the day of delivery...
I was in the process of moving and I paniced and stuffed the evenlope in a box and so now my back is against the wall... its unfair what has happened because one... I told them ihad a hardship I hired a credit solution type business and all they did was take my money and do nothing.. so how do I get this ball rolling at least with a written response and/or a phone call please someone out there can you help me? With what to do as a response? I live in Florida

Well, I'm going through the same thing right now in NY and let me tell you, it's a nightmare. I had the same reaction when I received the summons - I panicked, then I ignored it. Big mistake! Do what you can to contact the agency (in writing, or with a phone call) to see what arrangements can be made. I wish I had done that. Instead, because of my actions, they froze my bank accounts. I didn't have enough in the accounts to pay off the debt. If I had they would have automatically taken all of it. Because I didn't have enough, my accounts remain frozen (almost 1 month later). I realize that I brought this all on myself, first by not honoring the debt, then by thinking that if I ignored the summons it would all go away. This is probably all going to get resolved with a wage garnishment. But until then, I'm up a creek. Please don't do what I did, it's ten times worse than if I had just dealt with the summons when I got it.

P.S. If you're currently in a bad financial situation, you may want to first consider contacting your local Legal Aide office. You may qualify for legal assistance in getting payment arrangements made. The wage guidelines are pretty strict, but it doesn't hurt to try. Or better yet, if you happen to know an attorney willing to act on your behalf, I'd call in a favor. I hope this all helps. Good luck!

Hello bumbedout

It is never a good idea to ignore a summons,because as stated above if you do a default judgement most likely will be entered against you thus allowing the creditor to attach your bank account and depending on your state even your wages. Also after a judgement is given the creditor has little reason to settle with you much less talk to you. It is best to try to make arrangements to pay this debt before it goes to court

Check with the county courthouse and find out if it has went to court and what you can do at this point.

SOL in Florida is 4 years for CC debt. Was your last payment longer ago than that?