Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

Summons for credit card debt

I got a summons to go to court for an old credit card debt. I had just graduated from school and gotten behind on my Providian Visa, and they wouldn't work with me and closed the account.

The original debt was apx. $3000, now it's double that with interest and fees.

I'm sure there will be a judgement against me, but what happens next. I still don't have the money to pay them. Can they garnish my wages? Freeze money in my checking account? Or will I have to pay a lump sum?

I wish I could afford a lawyer, but I can't and I'm nervous as to what to expect. Please help!


Asked on 8/22/08, 11:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lesley Hoenig Lesley A. Hoenig, Attorney at Law

Re: Summons for credit card debt

Instead of waiting for a judgment to be entered, go to court and contest the debt and force them to prove it. If they get a judgment, yes they can freeze your checking account but they'd probably just garnish your wages. They can't make you pay a lump sum if you don't have one.

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Answered on 8/25/08, 2:39 am
Majdi Hijazin Law Office of Majdi Y. Hijazin

Re: Summons for credit card debt

First and foremost, relax. You will be fine.

Make sure you go to court. Tell the judge you can't afford what is being asked of you. Then try to either pay the other side a small lump sum or try to get on a payment plan. You're a long way from garnishment proceedings if you were only recently served with a court summons. Your bank account cannot be frozen. Generally, only the Feds have that kind of power.

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Answered on 8/25/08, 9:07 am


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