Thank you for contacting Just Answer. I look forward to assisting you.
While we write back and forth, please keep in mind that I do not know what you already know or don't know, or with what you need help, unless you tell me.
There can also be a delay of an hour or more in between my answers because I may be researching the answer to your question, helping other customers, or taking a break. If we are writing late at night, I may have to go to sleep and resume helping you the following morning.
I need the following answered before I can answer your question. Sorry - it's a little bit of a different process from sitting in an attorney's office.
Can you please tell me what state is involved in your question? I cannot see it on my screen right now. I may need the information so that I can look up the law in your jurisdiction.
What are your questions? (briefly)
I'll look forward to hearing from you,
Jane Doe Deer
Did you ever owe any money that you didn't pay?
Meanwhile, send the court a notice of appearance, with a copy to the attorney. Keep a copy for yourself.
Attorney
Atty. 22 years; Plain English answers to family law, employment, landlord-tenant, & other questions
It's not valid if they did not serve you. When you make your appearance, say that you're making a special appearance to contest service.
Or, just call up the attorney tomorrow and say that you would like to settle. Any discussions regarding settlement are "off the record."
Don't offer to pay the whole amount. Always start lower than what you can actually afford, so that you have some wiggle room for negotiating. If you can negotiate payments, they won't have to garnsh your wages.
A "notice of appearance" just prevents a default action from being taken against you. It means "I'm here and ready to proceed" more or less.
You'll have to do a cost benefit analysis on whether to hire an attorney. You didn't say how much you owe. Let's say you owe $1K. It's not worth it, because you're going to pay an attorney $200 - $300 an hour to represent you.
So, do the math. But try to negotiate on your own. You can tell the other attorney about all your debts and why you can't afford to pay more than a portion of what is owed, etc.
I'm going offline. I'll be back tomorrow. Good night!