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(Forgive me if I haven't had enough time to search for all the right answers in the vast amount of resources this forum has to offer! I may have limited time or already be out of it! I am also seeking an attorney this week.) I am living abroad out of the US and have been possibly sued by a bank or through a debt collection agency being assigned by a bank. I have a number of questions! 1. The file date says 1/3/2020. If I have 30 days to respond, does that mean I have until 2/2/2020 or is it the date that I have been served? Because that leads me to my next question... 2. Aside from publication, there is a high chance that I have not been served properly because I have been living and working abroad for many years. If that is the case, should I file a motion to vacate based on improper service on my own or should I hire an attorney to file it for me? Is it a simple form or template I can find and type / mail myself to the court? 3. If it turns out that I am being sued by a collection agency, (similar to the question above) should I request for the validity of the debt to the court on my own or hire an attorney to do it for me to due the existence of the court case? Below is the current status of my case. I have a number of questions about the updates. ------------------------------ Status: Pending 4. Does this mean that the actual case has yet to be approved? 01/2021 at (Time) in Department (Letter) at (Address) Order to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service and Failure to File Default Judgment Pursuant to (Number Code) 5. What does this mean in simple terms? Does this mean that the next step or hearing is in 1/2021? (Date) Declaration Declaration of Non-Service; Filed by: (Bank Name) (Plaintiff) (Date) Order to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service and Failure to File Default Judgment Pursuant to (Number Code) scheduled for 01/2021 at (Time) AM in (Address) at Department (Letter) 6. What does this mean in simple terms? (Date) Case assigned to (Name) in Department (Letter) (Place) (Date) Complaint; Filed by: (Bank Name) (Plaintiff); As to: (Name) (Defendant) (Date) Civil Case Cover Sheet; Filed by: (Bank Name) (Plaintiff); As to: (Name) (Defendant) (Date) Summons on Complaint; Issued and Filed by: (Bank Name) (Plaintiff); As to: (Name) (Defendant) 7. What does this mean? Does this mean that the plaintiff served me? (Date) Order to Show Cause Hearing/Trial Date (Rules of Court, rule Number Code); Filed by: Clerk (Date) Notice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case; Filed by: Clerk (Date) The case is placed in special status of: Collections Case (Number Code) ------------------------------ Of course, I will be asking these questions and more to an attorney. But, I'd just like to get some feedback and answers while I am looking for a lawyer. Thank you so much for your help.