Can I be issued a judgement at a pretrial conference?
Date: Tue, 12/15/2009 - 16:04
Can I be issued a judgement at a pretrial conference? Or do they wait for a trial date? A certain credit card company is suing me for the amount I owe them - $3,000. I have tried calling them to settle out of court but we cannot reach an agreement, because my low income limits me as to how much I can pay them. They want $3000 in full or in 2-3 payments, and I can only afford $50 a month. When I took out the credit card, I was working and doing well, but then I decided to go back to school and graduated right when the economy hit rock bottom, and I've been making minimum wage every since, thankful I even have a job! Unless I decide to go live in my car, I really can only afford this amount, and I have all the supporting documentation to prove it. I don't want a judgement! I'm 28 years old. I can't afford an attorney nor do I trust 90% of them here in Miami! One attorney told me they can issue a judgement at a pretrial conference- but this doesnt sound right to me- it seems like they should have to take it to trial to get a judgment issued. I am hoping to work out a payment plan without having a judgement issued against me tomorrow at my pretrial conference, with the help of the judge... do you think this is possible? Anyone?
The pretrial conference is normally conducted to minimise the co
The pretrial conference is normally conducted to minimise the court time. Normally a judge would preside over the meeting (not necessarily the trial judge) and try to bring the participating parties to an agreement. If both parties agree to a certain proposal then the case wouldn't go for a trial. IMO what they meant is since the settlement agreement would be made at the court room it'd be more binding for you.
Carry all documents supporting your claim with you and be prepared to be questioned. But I'm sure its nothing very scary.
Hope I was able to clarify.
