Being Sued for CC Debt, what do i do?

[chicojb]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TEXAS

I just recieved a Citation stating that I am being Sued for Credit Card Debt, the last time I made a payment was in March 2007. I started getting phone calls from a debt collector about 3 months ago trying to collect on the $8,000 that I owe. The collector is not the same as the Credit Card Company i was with. The letter states I have 20 days to file a written answer. I do not have the money to pay the full amount. I have stayed current on all other Credit Cards and Loans. I am wondering what my next steps should be? Do I contact the collectors? Or play this out in court? What should I expect in court if it goes that far? If I cannot pay what can they do to me...take away by check, car? Or can they take things away from me later in life? I am very worried on what to do or not to do. If I haven't payed this long, does it help for me to pay it now?

[seniorjudge]

Q: Do I contact the collectors?

A: Yes; paying your bills is obviously the best thing to do. If you cannot do that, send them as big a chunk as you can.



Q: What should I expect in court if it goes that far?

A: You should expect a judgment against you.



Q: If I cannot pay what can they do to me...take away by check, car? Or can they take things away from me later in life?

A: Yes, not to mention wrecking your credit.



Q: If I haven't payed this long, does it help for me to pay it now?

A: Yes; it always helps to pay your bills.