Having taken some very poor advice as a teenager, I allowed a credit card debt in the sum of $4,500 unpaid - under the assumption that it would eventually be considered a "write off."
Obviously, this did not happen. The debt circulated through various collection agencies, some of which used aggressive and deceptive tactics (not that I think this matters, really). I currently have other credit and utilities which I pay regularly, and this is the only smear on my credit record.
I do not want to go to court, a relative was served with subpoena on Saturday. I am fresh out of college, working but lack the means to pay the full amount - unless it was through some form of payment plan. I am also currently not in Florida, and would find it almost impossible to travel there to appear in court.
My main question: are they within their rights to demand the original sum, plus interest? I never received an accurate claim of the total sum until now, which has spiraled out of control with interest over some four years to almost $8,000.
Who do I deal with, the law office serving me? the Bank?

