What can I expect?

[123flower]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona, Maricopa County. I received a Civil Summons for a credit card debt. I am unable to pay the balance in full or I would have paid it already. Now that I am finally getting back on my feet I am able to make payments but probably not as much as they would want. Do I just go to court or should I try to contact the plaintiff's attorney to make arrangements? If I go to court will they demand payment in full or will I be able to make payment arrangements with the court?

Also, it says I need to appear in court and pay a filing fee. What is that and how much is it?

Thank you for your assistance.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[azlawstudent]

1. Contact the creditor and attempt to work out a plan with them - get it in writing if you can
2. Contact the creditor's attorney and inform them of the deal (show him the writing), or ask if he will work out a repayment plan with you. Preferably do this in writing (certified mail with a delivery receipt)
3. Go to court on the prescribed date if 1. and 2. fail. Explain to the judge that you tried to work out a payment plan that you could afford and show him the letter (with the delivery receipt) you sent to the creditor's attorney and the creditor.

You won't have to pay a filing fee for filing an Answer if the creditor drops the claim because you worked out a payment plan. If you have to file an Answer, the Superior Court has a self-help center that will help you fill in an Answer and file it; they should have a booklet for answering a collections suit. Generally, you'll want to state that you have tried in good faith to work out a repayment plan with the creditor and ask that the court finds your plan acceptable and orders it to take effect. I'm not sure what the fee is for an Answer, but it's probably around $35-50.

You might find the Superior Court's website helpful: [url=http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/]Judicial Branch of Arizona, Maricopa County[/url]