[RunWhileYouCan]

My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: IL

First off, thank you in advance to anyone who can shed some light on my situation. I had a credit card with Washington Mutual that ended up going into default(2005) because I just got back from overseas(Operation Enduring Freedom) and then immediately started college and was unable to keep up with the payments. The debt was then sold to a junk buyer(Worldwide asset). Worldwide has decided to sue me by giving me a summons. Here's some details on my case.

The debt they say I owe is $2200

I don't recall but I believe my limit was $1500(not sure if I even reached that amount. I think I quit using it when it was around the $13-1400 amount.

My summons doesn't have a date in which I needed to reply.

I reveived the summons on the 25th, it's now the 29th, and the court date is for next Thursday the 9th of July.

The research I've done says I need to file an intent to defend, is that correct?(Also, do I just go to the courthouse and fill this out, or do I just find a template online? I live in Illinois)

I know it has been filed and is valid because I recognize the circuit clerk's name in the stamp.


Also, there is what appears to be a stamp stating, "Attorney John Doe "appearing and then there's worldwide asset purchasing as the plaitiff, and then there's xxx, xxx, and xxx firm that says they are the attorney for the plaintiff. I see that the John Doe attorney doesn't even work with that firm. What does this mean?

I hate to run on and on but I've never been sued and this mess is killing me. Any insight is highly appreciated! I'm college educated(bachelor's degree) and a miltary veteran so I'm not a total loss in how I can handle this, it's just that this stuff is extremely foreign to me and I do not know much about this process. I was young, dumb, and had absolutely no right to own the credit card but now is the time to get it resolved. Again thank you, God Bless!

[Scott67]

Assuming the debt is valid (yes, if you stopped using it in 2005 with a balance of $1300, with interest and fees that could easily be $2200 now) contact the attorney handling the case and try to negotiate a settlement before going to court. With the mess the financial system is today, many lenders are settling for less than the claimed amount; I've seen some settle for half. But, even if you can't get them down on the settlement (plead poverty, military service and everything else that applies) you are better off to settle without going to court which will add court costs (both yours and theirs to the bill).