I just got hit with a lawsuit from Capitol One over a credit card balance. Honestly, this might be one of the lowest points in my life. The last few years have already been rough.
I almost didn’t make it after getting assaulted, and I’ve been dealing with health issues ever since. Then in December 2024, I lost my job.
I used my credit cards to survive while trying to keep my business going. I started it in 2018, never expected a pandemic would happen, but somehow I managed to open in September 2020. By 2023, I lost everything. I got another job around the same time, but I was let go last December. It didn’t even pay enough to cover my bills, but at least it kept me off the streets. Now I’m on unemployment, and even that barely covers the essentials.
I don’t even have money to file for bankruptcy. The lawsuit paperwork says I have 30 days to respond. The court stamped it on February 7, and I got served today, the 17th. Where do I even start?
Kai said:
If you can, just do it. You deserve a fresh start. Wishing you the best
I don’t even have enough to file for bankruptcy. How do people do it when they’re broke?
Maybe use your tax refund? Or try DoorDash or Instacart in your free time. I know it’s tough, but a lot of people in worse situations have made it work. You deserve a reset. Definitely show up to court though—you might be able to work out a payment plan.
Sterling said:
Who’s the lawyer handling the case? Is it Zwicker and Associates?
Ugh, I hate Zwicker. When I got sued by them, they didn’t even bother notifying me they owned my debt. No calls, no letters, nothing—just straight to a court date. Total waste of time and money. The second I got served, I called and set up a payment plan. They’d rather scare you with a lawsuit than just talk to you.
@Zen
Yeah, they’re awful. They came after me while I was on unpaid maternity leave. Told them I could start payments once I was back at work, but nope… they wanted it immediately. Then they just hit me with court papers out of nowhere.
@Sterling
They don’t care. I managed to get them to settle for 17% less, but that’s the best they’d offer, even after I showed proof of financial hardship. Credit card companies usually drop way more than that.
@Zen
I’m actually reporting them to the Bar for violations. When I went to court, the lawyer literally told me he ‘knew the judge’ and that everything he did would be fine. They don’t negotiate much either, total scammy behavior.
Sterling said:
Who’s the lawyer handling the case? Is it Zwicker and Associates?
It’s Nelson and Kennard & Chase K. Bodine.
No matter what, make sure you respond and show up to court. If you can, file for bankruptcy during this process or try to work out a payment plan before the court date. If you don’t show up, they’ll get a default judgment and it’ll wreck your credit until you pay it off.
Man, I’m barely keeping my head above water myself. I know it’s tough. Have you tried checking out some TED talks on YouTube? They have some good ones about getting through hard times. Just pick whatever speaks to you. Your debt doesn’t define you. You made it this far, that counts for something.
