[stickysituation]

I got a summons today from a lawyer who is representing citi bank for an amount I owe them on a credit card. I was enrolled in a credit counsel service but couldn't keep up so I'm assuming they turned my case back over to the creditors... anyhow my question is what do I do now? should I be seeking legal help? i'm 26 single mom of three little ones I go to school and don't work! we live with my dad who pays everything! I don't know if I should be looking into bankrupcy or if I should just relax and take the ride. I have nothing no assets and the only bank account I have is a join account with my husband which I'm currently seperated from... I'm sooooo lost and stressed out over this. overall I owe about $10k and know I owe just obvisouly can't pay... this is such a nightmare!! and is this something i have to acutually GO to court for? i understand the whole default thing but i don't want this to turn into anything bigger...seriously it's beyong my control at this point...if i had the cash i'd pay the guys! ARGH!

[Mr. Knowitall]

If you don't respond to the summons and complaint by filing an answer and appearing in court as ordered, you will be defaulted - that is, a default judgment will be entered for the money you owe on the account, court costs, and possibly the lender's attorney fees.

It is hard to know if you should declare bankruptcy over a $10,000 debt load - that's an amount of money most adults would be able to manage. At the same time, it sounds like you have credit counseling, possibly some write-offs, and now the likelihood of a judgment debt on your credit report, so a bankruptcy might not have that much impact on your credit rating (which would already be pretty bad). If you declare bankruptcy, the debt over which you are presently being sued would be resolved through the bankruptcy proceedings.