My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: IL
I was sued for non-payment of a credit card after the debt had been sold to a collection agency. It is my debt, there is no dispute. Today I went to court, and since I'm willing and able to pay the debt 100%, the judge agreed to dismiss my case, so long as I make payment within two weeks. The prosecuting attorney wrote up an order stating:
"Defendant present and the Court advised:
The case is dismissed without prejudice with leave to reinstate pursuant to payment plan below:
1. Defendant agrees to pay $XXXX.XX plus court costs of $XXX.XX by 9/15/10
2. If default, upon the motion, the Court shall reinstate the case and enter judgment for the complainant plus costs."
I was given the lawyer's card and she told me to call her office to arrange payment.
This was signed by myself and the judge, and a copy given to the court, myself, and the prosecuting attorney.
I'm glad there's no judgment against me, but now I'm left not knowing how to settle this in such a way that it will truly be settled. I've heard nightmare stories about consumers paying off debts, yet still hounded by shady collectors. I want to settle this in good faith, but I don't trust collection agencies or their lawyers.
What is the best way to pay? And before I pay, is there some sort of agreement I should ask for in writing that this payment will settle my debt?
In other words, what steps can I make now to protect myself from this coming back to haunt me in the form of shady collection agencies?

