I've been served in Texas

What is the name of your state? Texas

I have been served papers on a lawsuit regarding an unsecured credit card account brought against me by the original creditor, represented by a Texas collection agency. I was hoping to reach a settlement on this debt at the end of the year. I have until Monday to file with the court my response. I was thinking that I could state that I have not received validation of the debt (I've never requested it, either), and then try to reach a settlement while awaiting the trial date. Would this have a chance of working?

Thanks in advance for any advice

[bigun]

Well, you'd better file a general denial with the court or, you'll get hit with a default judgment.
Yes, demand validation and send it CRRR. They are supposed to stay the lawsuit until they validate.