Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

Illinois court jurisdiction in Missouri?

I was issued a credit card thru Bell West credit union in Chicago in 1994.Had no problems for 10 yrs. We moved to Missouri where I have not worked for 4yrs.I fell behind in payments at which point my fees compounded and have not been able to catch up.I've not made a payment for 2yrs now.Friday the 13th a sheriff served me with a summons from Chicago's Cook cty.circuit court. re:credit card debt judgement. In order to file a written appearance by the 19th, the fee is 120.00 which I don't have. I have no income. My BF pays utilities here and some groceries, that is my only livelihood. I have no personal income! He won't pay for me. Long story, I'm trapped. First,does Ill. Cook Cty. court have jurisdiction here in MO? What if I can't afford to appeal what will happen? I just lose? Also can they make me sell my home? my BF's name is also on it. We are in deep financial trouble here and 2to3 thousand dollars is like a million to us. Any suggestions? I know try a payment plan, but honestly I can't even afford twenty dollars a month! Appreciate any help at all My bill was around 1800.00 now with all the fees it's up to 3000.00! Bankruptcy maybe? Thank you, Jill


Asked on 1/18/06, 4:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kevin Plachta The Law Office of Kevin F. Plachta

Re: Illinois court jurisdiction in Missouri?

You can be sued in Illinois because it appears that you entered in the credit card agreement while a resident of Illinois. My advice to you is that you should immediately go to a bankruptcy attorney.

If you do not enter an appearance in the Illinois matter then a default judgment will be entered against you---yes you will loose automatically. Since you have no money to make any payments then the odds are the creditor will place a lien on your home. This does not mean the home will be sold but it does mean that if the house is sold or refinanced that lien along with all the pending interest (post judgment interest is 9% per year) will have to be paid. Like I said go immediately to an attorney who handles bankruptcy matters.

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Answered on 1/19/06, 1:09 pm


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