Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

I was served papers regarding a credit card debt that I do owe. I contacted the the debt collector and made payment arrangements, but it's unclear to me whether or not I still need to go to court. The collector said their attorneys will tell the judge I have made payment arrangements and it doesn't really matter if I'm there or not, but they obviously can't advise me on what I should do. Unless I find out the suit has been dropped I plan to go to court (with my notes/paperwork about the payment arrangements), but what should I expect? Will the payment arrangements avoid a judgment?


Asked on 7/05/10, 2:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Go to court. If you do not go, a default judgment will be entered against you, which allows them to start garnishing bank accounts or your wages. The first court date is sort of a cattle call, where if defendants do not show up, default judgments are entered, if defendants do show up, the case is either set for trial, or an agreed order can be entered. Make sure you appear in front of the judge. There is a debt collector in this area that tells everyone they can leave, and, whether by accident or design, what was discussed in the hallway is not always accurately relayed to the judge.

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Answered on 7/06/10, 12:39 pm


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