My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: California
I got served papers today that I am being sued for approx $7000 by Discover. I owned and managed an apartment complex for 10+ years and that was my sole source of income. I used my credit card for maintenance work I did on the complex. I am 63 years old. I had an heart attack and was no longer able to manage the property. Eventually tenants moved out and I lost the property. Because I haven't worked for 10+ years I do not qualify for any government assistance (general assistance, disability, unemployment, tried it all). I am just waiting for my social security checks to come. I own a house, which I was underwater on until I recently defaulted and settled on my 2nd mortgage. I own a car which is paid off in my name. And I live with my wife and 3 adult children. I have no income, 64 cents in my bank account, and a retirement account (IRA). I cannot pay a settlement or judgement in this case. I have been living off withdrawing from my IRA and help from my children for the past year. What can this judgement do because I have no income and savings. Can they take from my IRA? Or put a lien on my house? What about make me sell personal property such as my car? I live in the state of CA so I heard that credit card debt cannot make me sell personal property and they cannot touch my IRA. Is that true? Sorry for the long post but I desperately need help as I cannot afford a lawyer. I am trying to save up to file for bankruptcy but don't know when I will be able to do that. What should I do? Should I even file a response? Even if I respond to the suit, the judge will most likely still rule in favor of the debt collector. I clearly owe the debt so there's nothing I can do besides file bankruptcy right? If I should respond, what form should I fill out? I can't find anything on saccourt.ca.gov that tells me what form to send back.

