Judgement help please

What is the name of your state? mi
I received a summonsand complaint from attorneys for a credit card debt on Jan 9. It stated that I had 21 days to file an answer. I contacted the attorney to see if settlement was an option. He said I could pay a reduced amount within 30 days. I did not get this in writing, a mistake i know now. Yesterday I received in the mail a Judgement notice. This states that the judgement will be final unless an appeal or motion for a new trial is filed within 21 days. Also, satisfaction of the judgement can be made by full payment to the clerk or by filing a satisfaction signed by the attorney for the party.
Is there any hope of me still paying the reduced amount?
If so, how should I go about this to protect myself?
If not, is there anything I can do at this point to avoid this becoming final?

Thank you in advance for your help. a

[Ladynred]

Unfortunately, you blew it by NOT getting the settlement in writing and NOT going to court. The lawyer went ahead and got the default judgment against you. You have 21 days to appeal, I suggest you get cracking. Otherwise, there is no way to stop the steamroller.

Ladynred,
Thanks for answering. Here I go.....

a

[Ladynred]

I re-read what I posted and realize I forgot something.
You MAY still be able to settle it out for less than the full amount of the judgment. Just make sure you get the settlement in writing and make sure you get a letter of satisfaction from them once its paid. That's the only way you'll be able to clear the judgment itself.

Again, thank you. This gives me (hopefully) another option. If I can still settle, am I right in thinking that I am better off delivering the settlement in person and therefore getting the satisfaction at that time?

a

[Ladynred]

You can certainly hand-deliver the settlement offer, they'll have to accept it first. You won't get the satisfaction letter until its paid under whatever agreement is made.