[twylite]

I posted this before and for some reason it was lost. I'll try again.
First off, I have read in past postings it helps if I let you know what state and county I am in for a more accurate answer.
I live in Jacksonville FL, Duval County.
I received a summons (delivered via Jax Sheriff Office) about two weeks ago to meet at a location, where the credit card companies attorney and a mediator type person will be. They are suing me for a past debit that started at 500. And is now well over 1200. Not counting attorney fees and so called damages.
They claim they last tried to collect monies in Sept 2005 to no avail. (part true)
I have had this account since early 2002, paying each month on time and more than asked.
I lost my job Nov 19,2004. My husband started paying my bills (so I thought) while I had a wage law suite against my past employer. (balance was below limit when I lost my job)
I found out he was not paying, and by then it was about four months past due. Oh well, I figured when my suite was over I would settle up with them. (wrong)
My suite was won and on July 2,2005 I received my check.
I called ALL my creditors and everyone of them worked with me and even re-opened my accounts so I could still use them except one. This one.
At that time I (according to them) owed 864. I was willing to pay them cash right then over the phone 653. No way would they accept that. (keep in mind I was below my limit when this started) They wanted no less than 777. I explained I only had 653. They refused and even told me the account was closed and if I wished to have an opened account I would have to re-apply. I asked my husband to call them and try to work out something being most was because of him, and they told him the same thing.
Part of the clincher, is they are stating they offered to settle in Sept 2005 and never heard from me. (true) Why you ask?
I received a letter from a collection agency representing them, stating I owed 964. (more than the month of July) and would accept 675. To settle this account and mark paid in full. Now why not just two months sooner not take 653. When the balance was 864.
I was upset at this, and just filed it with my past statements. (I have them all, showing all my charges and where charged) I have to be at this meeting next week the tenth of May 07. Please help me. I have enough gray hairs and worry lines. :(
What should I do? Do I really have to go?:confused:
Sorry so long

[ScottGem]

First, do you have any documentation that you offered the $653 and that they countered with $777? I think you made a mistake by ignoring the settlement offer.

But what you need to do now is go to that meeting with documentation of your loss of job and that you paid all your bills once you received the proceeds of the suit.

What I expect will happen is the mediator will try to negotiate a settlement between you. So if you can show why you defaulted and that you tried to pay once you could, it should help.