another stupid story....

Charbo, there is always help. Quit beating yourself up, it is done and over with, now you have to find the solutions to your problems. I made alot of stupid choices and continued to until I have reached a ripe old age. But, fortunately, with the help of this forum and the people in it, I have done things differently.

First of all, have you answered the summons? That needs to be done, and be sure and show up in court. Talk with the court clerk, or whoever handles things there and ask about filing hardship status, you will need to bring papers to back this up-bills, income, etc. You will have to bring this up, the judge won't do it for you. They will set payments up accordingly.

Next, I would try to clear the insurance thing cleared up so you won't be on their black list, and it follow you everywhere. Talk with them, explain the circumstatnces and see what they can do.

Next, about the credit cards, I believe you said they were with collection agencies. Have you sent them debt validation, or do you know if these are legit debts, and that they are the ones suppossed to be collecting on them? How far behind and who are the CA you are dealing with?

If you register, it's free, you are entitled to free credit counseling. They may have some solutions for you also. Others, a bit more knowledgeable in the court process, will be along and offer help too. Feel free to ask questions!.karen

thanks for responding Karen. I have been to court over the first civil summons. (Hospital Bill) and arrangements were made to pay it each month although the law firm handling it is very hard to work with. THey are trying to bully me into sending more although I spoke with one of their lawyers in court and settled on an amount. I have not been to court yet for the second one. I have rec'd notices from the other three credit cards for "settlements" but I am sure these are collection agencies who have "bought" the bills for little of nothing and are trying to make a huge profit. I have thought of contacting Oak View Law Group to see if they could settle on the three credit card bills for me but am leery of doing this over the internet and phone. I guess I am fearful of getting the shaft again and I really do not need anymore hassles. I hate to sound so negative, but each day I am fearful of getting more civil summons etc...and my health is starting to suffer for it. If you or anyone else can suggest a good honest debt settlement program, I would be interested. I do not have alot of money and that is the main reason I am behind on everything.

things will get easier - you should consider registering here with this board, they can help you in so many ways trust me on that!

In todays society it is so easy to get back into debt just try to keep your head up and remember every day is a new day to try and work towards your future.

This story made tear up because it sounds so much like my mother's situation. She got into the habit of using her credit cards to pay utility bills, buying household necessities and paid them off twice before but got right back into debt. Now on top of the credit card debt she has a loan she took out on our house originally to pay off one credit card which she still owes on. I am so desperate to help her but I sometimes wonder if it's even worth it because I have a fear she'll get right back into debt. But in the end I know it's worth it and that's why I'm here.... to try and find a solution that will work for her.

boo boo I hope you find a solution to your mothers problem because I was served a civil summons to appear in court over one of the credit cards. I am the poster child of stupidity for letting myself get back into this shape! I was doing fine until I applied for the first credit card and bam...quick as a blink you can find yourself in the hole again. The economy is not helping matters when it cost a fortune just to buy gas to go to work! It is a sad fact of life that credit will destroy you if not used wisely. I think this forum has helped alot of us to find some kind of peace and absolution of our problems.