Auto Lease contract

[tellis0]

State of California.
Ford is suing me for the balance of a lease that went over miles. The full balance is $2831 now with court costs. I was planning on going to court, asking the judge for a lower settlement or payment plan, as I lost my job and am a student now. I spoke to the attorney suing me, and he said the lowest they'd take is $2400 or a payment plan of $100 a month for the full balance. Should I go to court and try to get something better ? I did contact them in May and offered them $1500, but they wouldn't take it and then I lost my job.

 

[Zigner]

State of California.
Ford is suing me for the balance of a lease that went over miles. The full balance is $2831 now with court costs. I was planning on going to court, asking the judge for a lower settlement or payment plan, as I lost my job and am a student now. I spoke to the attorney suing me, and he said the lowest they'd take is $2400 or a payment plan of $100 a month for the full balance. Should I go to court and try to get something better ? I did contact them in May and offered them $1500, but they wouldn't take it and then I lost my job.

That you are unemployed and a student really don't change the fact that you entered in to a contractual agreement that you did not honor. The judge will not order a lower amount, nor is she likely to order a payment plan. What will happen is that you will end up with a judgment against you for the FULL amount and that judgment will increase due to interest and additional costs.

 

[adjusterjack]

I did contact them in May and offered them $1500, but they wouldn't take it and then I lost my job.

If you still have the $1500 or can raise it, consider filing bankruptcy. Shouldn't cost much more than that.

 

[quincy]

State of California.
Ford is suing me for the balance of a lease that went over miles. The full balance is $2831 now with court costs. I was planning on going to court, asking the judge for a lower settlement or payment plan, as I lost my job and am a student now. I spoke to the attorney suing me, and he said the lowest they'd take is $2400 or a payment plan of $100 a month for the full balance. Should I go to court and try to get something better ? I did contact them in May and offered them $1500, but they wouldn't take it and then I lost my job.

Trying to settle before trial is almost always the least expensive option. However, if you do not meet the terms of any settlement agreed to - or don't think you can meet the terms - it puts you in a worse position than you are in now.