How to respond to court document

[ga2700]

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

I have enormous debt involving several creditors. In almost all cases, the accounts are now several months past due. I have recently received a citation from one of my creditors telling me I have been sued. For the foreseeable future, I have no way to pay what they're asking. The citation tells me I must file a written response by a certain date, but other than providing me with an address and a deadline, I have no idea what must be included in such a response, or how it should be worded. That is the advice I'm seeking.

 

[Zigner]

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

I have enormous debt involving several creditors. In almost all cases, the accounts are now several months past due. I have recently received a citation from one of my creditors telling me I have been sued. For the foreseeable future, I have no way to pay what they're asking. The citation tells me I must file a written response by a certain date, but other than providing me with an address and a deadline, I have no idea what must be included in such a response, or how it should be worded. That is the advice I'm seeking.

Check the court website for the court your are being sued in - they generally have self-help sections. Other than that, your request is beyond the scope of this forum. You should consult with a local attorney to help you properly respond.

 

[single317dad]

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

I have enormous debt involving several creditors. In almost all cases, the accounts are now several months past due. I have recently received a citation from one of my creditors telling me I have been sued. For the foreseeable future, I have no way to pay what they're asking. The citation tells me I must file a written response by a certain date, but other than providing me with an address and a deadline, I have no idea what must be included in such a response, or how it should be worded. That is the advice I'm seeking.

The process will go something like this:

- You are sued by a creditor. There will be a complaint (your citation) attached to a summons.

- You're given a date to respond with documents called an "Answer" and "Defenses". Examples of those documents are freely available online.

- The creditor's attorney will respond to your Answer with (probably) a Motion for Summary Judgment, since it will be clear that you 1) owe the debt and 2) have not paid as agreed.

- You can contest the MSJ. You can ask for a court date. In the end, you'll lose the case and there will be a judgment against you for the amount of the debt plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees.

- Texas is pretty lenient on debtors as far as wage garnishment, but your assets can be seized and bank accounts levied aside from those containing current wages.

- You can stop this and all your other creditors from continuing legal action against you if you qualify for bankruptcy.

 

[stellas]

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

I have enormous debt involving several creditors. In almost all cases, the accounts are now several months past due. I have recently received a citation from one of my creditors telling me I have been sued. For the foreseeable future, I have no way to pay what they're asking. The citation tells me I must file a written response by a certain date, but other than providing me with an address and a deadline, I have no idea what must be included in such a response, or how it should be worded. That is the advice I'm seeking.

Agreed. Look up your local court records to see if you are ACTUALLY being sued or if it's just a cheap debt collector tactic. Most counties will have a free law library with folks who can help you look this up and will help you with forms for your specific county as well.

Good luck!