Being sued for $850 - HELP

[tloliver1]

I am being sued for $850. I recently received a summons to answer a complaint, no court date has been set. I have every intention of paying the debt once I receive my tax refund. Unfortunately, that won't be for about another 8 weeks due to my injured spouse claim. I was given the option to pay the attorney the $850 to avoid attorney fees which I don't have. Should I respond to the attorney letting them know my intent to pay when I get my refund or just wait for the court date?

Worried and confused.

 

[bluemann33]

call and tell them your intenet to pay if thats what you intend to do.

 

[tloliver1]

Yes, that's my intent. Once I do that, should I expect them to proceed or make arrangements?

 

[jharris352]

First answer the lawsuit and flatly deny owing the money to the court. It's ok, this is not perjury. Secondly, call them and offer to pay the money when your taxes come in if they will delay court accordingly. They will file for a continuance, and you can make arrangements to pay them. Do not pay attorney fees or court costs. (It's unlikely they will get attorney fees by the court unless it is a contract that calls for them.)

That should take care of it.

 

[lostinmn]

This sounds like one those threat letters debt collectors would send - summons without a date, they make it look like that it came from your county court but in fact came from an attorney pretending you're being sued.