My summons is not signed by the "clerk of the court" (i am in cook county, chicago area )- based on what i read on the affidavit, the collection agency "purchased the account from the original creditor". I do not know what this is for – since the court date is schedule for next week, am i supposed to contact the attorney or the company to see what and how they got my information. I never received any notices from this collection agency. I do admit that i do not have the best credit and am making minimum wage. There are accounts on my credit report that are from 2000 thru 2003 , but i have been trying to pay them off. Where can i turn to for help? I cannot afford to pay the $2425.95 + cost as liisted in the summons.
What type of lawyer is necessary for this particular situation? And where should I search?
YES, get a lawyer. Most attorneys allow a free initial consultation, and they will tell you over the phone whether debt collection is an area of their practice. If it is not, they can refer you to a lawyer that does handle your kind of case.
Regardless, show up to court. If you are a no-show, the court will assume that you do owe the debt because you are not there to contest it. They will then garnish your wages until the debt is paid. A lawyer is a lot less expensive.
Good luck, honey.
