[pattyr1]

Hi My name is Patty and I have a total of 16,000 in credit card debt. In 2002 because of a large corporate buyout I lost my job and had to take unemployment. I was making 20.00 per hour. I am 49 and at my age it was hard find a job. I finally landed a job in 2003 at Davits Bridal making not the same but decent money because of commission. I was not able to make a killing with the credit cards but at least I could make the Davits. Well on August 16,2003 I was doing my neighbor a favor he is going partially blind and drove him and his wife in their car to philadelphus Will eye hospital. I was approaching a green light and I saw someone flying and was going to go through the light I did everything I could not to let him hit me but I did not want to hurt any pedestrians. The car was totaled My injuries turned out to be a dislocated pelvis, 3 discs crumbled in my lower back and whiplash and damage to my right arm and shoulder and neck. I have been waiting for a settlement for 3 years my lawyer after 3 years found out the fellow that wrecked my life, marriage, daily tasks etc. was underinsured he only had 25,000. The lawyer took his 40% and the rest went to medical bills. Now my lawyer is suing the peoples car I was driving insurance company and they are fully insured they are my neighbor we are best friends, but in the meantime I was served with papers that I have to do something in 20 days or I have to go to court. I do not know what to do. The one credit card that is suing me right now is 1964.00 I only spent 800.00 but the rest is interest and fees. What am I to do. If I go to court and get a suing I will not be able to pay my normal bills. I am back on unemployment because I found a halfway decent job and was laid off again. If they take my bill money I may loose my home. And if they take my car insurance money I will loose my car insurance. I am so upset and confused. I can not make my lawyer rush he is just following procedure to make sure I am well taken care of and pay off my credit card debt. When I talked to the attorney last week he feels the case should be settled by June. In the meantime I was served and have 20 days to do something. What should I do I do not have 1964.00 to give them and the little money that ii do make is my bill money and if they take it my bills will bounce. I never bounced a check in my life. Since I only have 20 days to do something and this lawsuit will not be over until June what should I do. Please help me with some advice I am scared and I have 22 year old daughter graduating from college in 14 day. Please may I have some advice, what should I do. I feel like I am going to have a nervous breakdown and it will break her heart if I am not at the graduation.
Thanks so much hope you can come up with some ideas for me I am scared.
Patty

[ScottGem]

First you do need to answer the summons and indicate your intention to defend it. You then ask them to show proof that the debt is yours and they have the right to collect it. They may be able to furnish the proof, but you may be able to delay things to give your other case time to complete.

[pattyr1]

Thanks for responing. I know the debt is mine but io only spent800.00 on the cc the rest is interest. Is this legal. I am an honest person and I am scared

[ScottGem]

I understand you know the debt is yours. But you need to try to delay things.

Unfortunately it is legal. CC are allowed to accrue interest and penalties when the account is unpaid. What you will need to do is try to work out a settlement.

[matthew47]

I agree the best thing is to work out a settlement with them for any amount less than the current balance, 65% is a good settlement, but they will start at 90% then come down from there. As long as you have the money to pay them off immediately when the settlement is reached between you and the CC. I learned the hard way too. The best thing is to keep the lines of communication open and explain your situation. They are willing to settle for less than the full amount. The question is how much less?