Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Disclaimer: The materials provided below are informational and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

You should immediately file an answer and raise your affirmative defenses, or else they may obtain a default judgment against you. Alternatively, if you are not contesting the debt (e.g. they are mistaking you with someone else with a similar name), and if you are able to pay something, you may be able to negotiate a discount. Also, I was going to suggest bankruptcy, but based on your description that is not an option for you. You should consult your own attorney to protect your legal rights.

An important principle to consider is that bankruptcy is a financial state: a function of insolvency and/or oppression from debt; "filing" bankruptcy is a proactive means of resolving that situation; therefore it's generally recommended to seek legal counsel from a qualified bankruptcy attorney in order to consider all options. See www.Nacba.org for listings of bankruptcy attorneys in your area.