In one settlement, trying to not get sued by another company..

Hey, I am new posting here, but have been coming here alot. I have a question that I hope someone can help me out with. My BOA account has now gone into a settlement plan, and will be paid off in October. Now, with that being said, we are (my wife and I) being stretched a little with the payments, but will be okay. Now, my other account with Citi has gone to a second collection. This second collection is in Alabama, where I am living as well. Now, Citi is about 6-7 months into it. Should I be weary of a lawsuit? Or is around the 1.5 yrs more like it? I was thinking about giving this collection agency a money order of an amount for the next couple of months, to try to sway a summons.. Also, my name only is on these accounts, but if I do get sued, will they look at my wife's income as well? If it is just mine, we will be fine.. Should I go ahead and drop my name from our joint checking account? Just have my paycheck go into another? Thanks in advance... Citi is about 20K..