<prompt> Human: I saw a small section on judgments, but all it said was to make sure you respond. I spent a day in the Emergency Room a few years ago. The total came out to over 8,000. I had no insurance, and im a single mom. At the time, I was making 10.00 an hour, and working part time. Long story short, I couldnt pay it. I recently got a job, and told them Id be willing to make payments, but I couldnt afford it right now, and that I couldnt start making payments until the first of the year. Im currently paying over 200month in other medical bills. They had me fill out a form saying how much I made and they said I could afford 600 a month, which is 20 if my income. There is no way I could afford that. So I just got served the papers and I have no idea what to do. Do I have an attorney write the response for me? I can pay up to 5,000 in FebruaryMarch because I have money coming in. Is there a way to keep them from garnishing my wages? If they take even 300 per month, Ill be screwed. EDIT: My finances:Income: 2900month after taxesRent 1000WSG 130Power 125Car Payment 265Car Insurance 128Health Insurance 211Cell Phone Bill 120Gas 400 two hours to and from work three daysweekMedical Bills 12 interest 225Discover Card 11 interest 45Gym Membership 42Food 350Total Income: 2900Total Expense: 2,691Im obviously cutting in pretty close financially, but until I relocate in June, its going to be pretty tight. The medical debt is the only debt I have. Assistant: What kind of papers were you served? Was it an actual court summons or just threats of further collection activity? If it is just the collection agency then you must act to send them a dispute letter and demand for validation of debt.If it is a summons then youd better get to court on that day.Human: It says its a summons, but I cant find a date to appear anywhere on it. All it says is I must respond to the complaint within 20 days stating my defense.  <response>: Call a lawyer, look for a Consumer Rights Attorney. Depending on where you live it may not have to be filed with the court to be valid, this is called pocket filing. I went through something similar a few years back except the debt wasnt mine, if you dont respond they can get a judgement against you and levy your accounts.You could respond yourself, but in this case its probably better to get a professional on it. 