Steps to Take If You Are Summoned to Court for Unpaid Bills

The recession is causing people to experience financial disasters; they thought would never happen to them. Job loss, higher food and energy costs are causing people to make choices on whether to keep a roof over their head or pay other debts they owe. Some people are ending up in Court with judgments being placed on them for unpaid bills. When this happens there are a few things to be aware of so that you can protect yourself when you arrive in Court.

The first thing to do after you being served papers to appear in Court is to call the attorney listed on the summons. It may be possible to make payment arrangements and keep this out of Court. Remember if payment arrangements are made, these must be kept. If they are not kept a judgment can be filed against you immediately upon missing one payment. The client may not accept payment arrangements and want full payment immediately, and continue with the case.

When the Court date arrives be sure to appear in Court. If there is no appearance by you or a representative the Judge will file the judgment in the favor of the client. Bring documentation concerning any payments you have made on this bill. Other important papers to bring to Court would be: a copy of your lease, paycheck stubs, paper work showing you are receiving government assistance, day care bills. You want to be able to show why you have not been able to make these payments. Depending on the laws of your State, it may not be possible to plead your case. The Court will ask if the debt is yours, and once you answer yes file the judgment. While you are still in front of the Court ask if about making payment arrangements. This may stop them from garnishing your wages. It is up to the client to accept payments or demand the amount be paid in full immediately.

Being summons into Court can be very intimidating. Don't be embarrassed or scared as in these tough economic times more and more people are being sued. The best thing to do is to prevent this from happening. Make regular payments on bills no matter how small. Even making payments of ten dollars a month, will show the Court you are working towards paying them off. Giving your creditors some money is better than giving them no money.