civil summons in tn

[rtc1154]

What is the name of your state? tn
When recieving a civil summons in TN - What is required of me ?
Do I have to appear in court?
What happens next if I dont appear in court?
What resolutions can be done to settle?

[seniorjudge]

Q: When recieving a civil summons in TN - What is required of me ?

A: You must file a written answer with the court, copy to the creditor.



Q: Do I have to appear in court?

A: Yes.



Q: What happens next if I dont appear in court?

A: A default judgment will be entered against you.



Q: What resolutions can be done to settle?

A: One option is for you to pay your bill.

[rtc1154]

I agree that is the logical option.
I have moved and am not able to appear in court.
I do not dispute the debt.
At this time am unable to pay total amount of debt.
An attourney is listed on the summons do I contact them to try to resolve this?

[seniorjudge]

Q: An attourney is listed on the summons do I contact them to try to resolve this?

A: Sounds like a good idea to me!

[rtc1154]

Is this the only avenue of resolution or are there others available - so that I can be well informed and pick the best answer that fits my situation?

[rtc1154]

Also what is the procedures for filing a written answer to the court?

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by rtc1154

Is this the only avenue of resolution or are there others available - so that I can be well informed and pick the best answer that fits my situation?

I really don't know what you are asking.

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by rtc1154

Also what is the procedures for filing a written answer to the court?

Go through the complaint/petition.

Paragraph one says, for example, "The name of the debtor is John Doe."

On your ANSWER (that is what you call it), you say, "I admit everything in paragraph one."

Paragraph two says, for example, "The name of the creditor is Heartless Moneygrubbers."

On your answer, you say, "I don't know if paragraph two is true or not, so I deny it."

Paragraph three says, "Debtor owes us $10,491.42."

You say, "I admit I owe the creditor, but it is only $9,267.14."

And on.

[Ladynred]

Hang on there. How much money are we talking about here ?
If the case was filed in General Sessions court, then NO ANSWER is required - you show up in court to defend yourself or you don't. If you don't then a default judgment is entered. If you dispute the debt in court, the judge might hold the case over for a 'real' trial in circuit or district court. General Sessions goes like this (mostly): Judge- "is this your debt ?" You - "yes" - Judge - "judgment for the plaintiff ". If you show up and have a reasonable dispute as to why the debt may not be yours, then you might get that trial date.

You should call the court clerk as I don't believe a written answer is required.

[rtc1154]

Yes, it is in General Session Court and there is no dispute, the debt is under $10,000 dollars with Beneficial. What are the best steps to take to resolve this matter after the Default Judgement - we are not in a position to pay it off in full?

[Ladynred]

Call the attorney that's suing you and negotiate a settlement and/or payment plan. Just make sure you get ANY agreement IN WRITING before you give them a dime.