Dear XXXXXXXXXX - The only options you have are to either defend the suit by filing and answer within the required time, usually 20-30 days or to pay the debt. If you fail to file an answer the creditor will obtain a judgment by default against you.
You have a right to file an answer and force the Plaintiff to prove the amount owing and, of course, prove that it is you who owes the debt.
Dave Kennett
You certainly have a right to call but I will tell you that you will get nowhere unless you have sufficient money on hand to offer a reasonable (50-60%) settlement. What most attorneys will want is for you to confess a judgment to them and then set up some payment schedule if you are unable to offer a lump sum payment. Then if you default on that they already have their judgment and can garnish wages and bank accounts.
In the end that may be what you will have to do depending on the facts. Obviously I have no way of knowing if you have any defenses to the suit but it is important that you get an answer filed just to avoid a default judgment. Talking to the attorney will not prevent them from filing for a default.
Dave
Lawyer (JD)
25 years experience in general law, including real estate, criminal, traffic, and domestic relations