Do i have to go to court on a "suit on account?"

Assuming that the suit is based on a legitimate debt, there are usually only a few roads that cases take once suit is filed. The least palatable option is to let the case go to judgment because the attorney could request attorneys fees as an add-on to the judgment, and after judgment is entered, garnishment would likely follow. Even if you are jobless at the time, judgments last for seven years and may be renewed after that time The more desirable option (for all involved) would be to contact the attorney that filed the lawsuit and attempt to resolve the matter through crafting payment arrangements. Such arrangements often take the form of a Consent Order or Consent Judgment and would effectively end the lawsuit as long as you met your payment obligations. Though it is never bad practice to involve an attorney, if the debt is not valid, I would definitely advise that you retain the services of an attorney as you fight the debt. Mr. O'Brien is licensed to practice law in Georgia. This response does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney / client relationship. This response is legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter in question. Many times the questioner may omit details which would make the reply inaccurate. Mr. O'Brien strongly advises the questioner to confer directly with an attorney in their own state to acquire more information about the specifics of their case.