I had originally asked to see where the original debt came from it is 5 different dates of service---from hospital and doctors---I never received a response. Today I am served with papers that are dated oct. 2009 and signed by the courts in Nov. 2009---it is the end of January now. I have 21 days to respond---who do I respond to, can I send a letter, is it going to cost me money, what happens if I do nothing?

The summons should specify where you should file your answer.

If you were actually served with a summons, you would file the answer with the clerk of court and send a copy to the attorney who caused the summons to be served on you. I suggest that you contact the clerk of court with the case name and number and make sure that a lawsuit has actually been filed against you.