I was served a civil complaint today. Where an old creditor is suing me for a debt that I owe I am not working but call them and ask to set up a payment arrangement they turned me down asking for more than I can give them my court date is coming up October 1st what should I do

Get a lawyer... and go to court. The worst thing you can do is not show up. If you are a no show they get everything they want under under their own terms, and can get a writ of garnishment against you. They are covering their best interests do this... as court ordered payment plan will be enforcible as opposed to a pay it if you fell like it plan you tried before.

There are hundreds of threads on this site that discuss the same issue you are going through. I suggest spending some time browsing around and get an education.

Lets put it this way... if YOU are represented by a lawyer, they can possibly negotiate a lower settlement. Try it yourself, and you are more likely than not going to have to pay the full amount.

If you can afford to pay $13,000, you can afford representation. And as ScottGem mentioned... search the site on the topic... you will see that lots of people have been in this situation, some bailed and got screwed, some tried to do it themselves (remember the old addage the person who represents themselves has a fool for a client), and those that had a lawyer and got a far better deal.