My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Michigan
-Received summons, hand-delivered at my home to me 11/13/09.
-"21 days to file written response with court...."
-Plaintiff is id'd on summons as attorney for Discover Card (c/o DFS Services, LLC)
-Previous paperwork received 6/11/09 from "Law Offices of...." identified self as "law firm is a debt collector attempting to collect this debt for our client...".
-My response at that time was to request validation of the debt (per internet sites advice re: debt collection lawsuits
Debt amt listed: 16 K + (5800K+ of balance = finance charges and overlimit fees from period 12/2006 to 4/2009)
-Per my review of account, amount of balance that refers to actual purchases is less than 8500-not that it matters I guess.
-Last pmt made: 12/08
-Had some brief & unhelpful phone exchanges w/Discover around 6/08-9/08.
Yes, I should know better. Acted sooner. Not excuses-I was trying to figure what to do-i.e., to resolve unpaid debt w/o foreclosure or bankrupcy.
Prior to past 2 yrs, excellent credit history. Financial stressors during past 2 yrs led to this, including 2 job-related major moves, job loss, and failure to sell house. Have kept all other accounts pd current (e.g., mortgage, auto loan, 2nd mortgage).
I could really use some help. Even if it ends up just being 'hand-holding'!

