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    deedeej's Avatar
    deedeej Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 24, 2011, 04:22 PM
    Medical bill debt
    What if I am served papers to appear in court for medical bills and am on disability and cannot pay due to my limited finances. I can barely make my living expenses, which keep going up. Much less, travel so far to go to court. What if I don't appear in court, what will happen?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #2

    Jul 24, 2011, 04:31 PM

    You lose by default. You have to appear before the judge to present your case. You have had a summons delivered to you.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #3

    Jul 24, 2011, 05:36 PM

    What do you mean, travel so far to go to court, are they not filing against you in the county where you live ?
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #4

    Jul 24, 2011, 06:20 PM

    They will win by default. They will then attach any assets you have. It never makes sense to not show up for a court hearing.
    AK lawyer's Avatar
    AK lawyer Posts: 12,592, Reputation: 977
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    #5

    Jul 25, 2011, 09:33 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by deedeej View Post
    What if I am served papers to appear in court ...
    First, are you required to physically show up in the courtroom for trial, or merely to file a written answer to the complaint? If it's the latter, you can do it by mail. And if it's for a trial, you might be able to arrange this by telephone too, if need be.
    twinkiedooter's Avatar
    twinkiedooter Posts: 12,172, Reputation: 1054
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    #6

    Jul 25, 2011, 05:03 PM

    File an Answer stating you are on disability. That income cannot be garnished. BUT your assets can be garnished so I'd show up even if you file an answer so the Judge can hear your side of this matter. Make arrangements to get to court even if you have to pay somebody to take you. You will lose more if you don't show up as they will win by default whih will cause you more grief in the end to stop them from seizing your assets.
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