How do I respond in a letter to the lawyers on the discovery, that they sent me, on my credit card debt?

Question

I have a civil lawsuit against me on credit card debt. I've ask them to provide proof on debt. (Compel Discovery). They sent several copies on statements from my old credit card. Now they want me to respond to the discovery. What is the best way to answer them. I can't afford a lawyer or pay them right now. I don't  want a default judgement. Please Help.

Answer 1

Read the letter very carefully.  Follow the instructions it gives you for responding.  Contact them as it provides.  

If there are no instructions how or what you are expected to do, then call their office and make an appointment to meet with the person in the letter.  Don't try and handle this on the phone).  
Dress very professionally (as if going on a job interview); take all copies of the statements you have plus everything they sent you, including the envelope.  Also take something to write down notes.  

Be prepared to make a suggestion how this debt can be repaid.  "not having the money" "can't pay right now", etc.. will only result in a lose-lose for you.  Take your checkbook with you and be prepared to make the first payment.  

Taking a positive step to repay this debt is the only way you're going to resolve this.  I don't know how many other debts you're owing, but you need to rein in your spending and buy only what you need and can afford.

Answer 2

In terms of responding to discovery, you must be truthful.  You don't have to provide information not specifically requested, but you must answer honestly.  If the debt was paid, or partially paid, then say so, and provide proof of payment. If the debt was not paid, then you must say that.  

If you still owe this money, I would suggest you contact the attorneys before this goes before a judge or arbitrator and make a settlement.  You may be able to pay an amount less than that being sought by the plntff.  Also, if this actually gets to the judge, they make seek court costs and atty fees.  My advice...try to resolve asap.

Answer 3

If you don't have a lawyer, this case is probably not worth too too much money.  With no lawyer, you won't know what discovery requests you can object to...like whether they are irrelevant, prejudicial, etc.

Take the doc they sent you.  Your response will look like theirs at the top.  Instead of Request for Discovery, your doc will be called Response to Request for Discovery.  Then just do your best to respond to each request.  What matters most is the substance of your response and not what it looks like.  The judge will be able to tell you are making a good faith effort.

Answer 4

I dont quite understand the question, if you have the debt,and they have proved that, all you can do is to make an offer of repayment to clear the debt