Broke and clueless

[broke05]

I have 4 credit cards with outstanding balances of about $35,000 total. I have just basically ripped up every notice i received from all of them and lawyers and collection agencies for charge offs for years now ever since i stopped making payments on all of them. I stopped payments around May 2001. I live in NY. Today i opened my door to go outside and taped onto my door was a summons to appear in court for one of the debts in the amount of $20,000. I'm clueless as to what to do. I have absolutely nothing in my name, my checking account is empty and has always been like that, except for maybe 100-200 dollars the most. I don't make much, just enough to get by and it's off the books. My question is if i immediatly consult an attorney for bankruptcy (if i can borrow the money for one, lol) is it too late to avoid this judgement if it's won against me? On the document it states that if i don't appear in court before such and such time that the judgement will be against me. Shall i even bother going to court, i know i owe it and i don't see the point of going to court and saying "yes i owe it". I know they will win the judgement but what shall i do?

Thanks

[tinroofrusted]

Call an attorney immediately.

[Dawn1970]

DO go to court. If you don't, they can charge you with contempt. Just tell the judge you don't have any money and are planning to file bankruptcy. Even if/when they are awarded a judgement, once you file BK that will wipe that out for you.

[corona328]

NY is a nail em to the door state..they consider that proper service...if you do not show for court they will just get a default judgement against you...file BK now....either consult an attorney or use the nolo guide to chapter 7 book...u could buy it on amazon if I am correct.