negotiating with a law firm

[ben1381]

I am trying to negotiate a settlement with the Peter t. Roach law firm of Syosset NY over a lawsuit filed by them for Citibank over a 17.5K debt allegedly owed to them. I am finding that they don't appear to be negotiating in good faith. Back In September I sent them a financial statement and their only response to the financial statement was to sue me. Now this lawsuit is at a motion of summary judgment stage. I have a relative who is respesenting me pro bono in this case and I don't want to take up too much of his time. I've tried again negotiating with them and I told them I wanted to pay $100 month. I can't even get them to agree as to how many months they would accept let alone a dollar amount. If they get a judgement against me I will have no choice but to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy and I believe I can pass the means test. But morally I would like to pay my creditors something but they are pushing me against the wall. I asked the clerk of the New York state supreme court if mediation is possible and they said it is but probably has to be agreed to by both parties. I'd like to know if anyone has any ideas for me. Thank you very much,

[legal_loansharking]

Welcome to the boards...

Half of the problem we have all had at one time or another is that the creditors do not want to work with you. They tend to work against you.

If your debt is that bad BK is an option. They cannot get blood from a stone either, so if they are not willing to work with you on payments, let the judge make the determination and work out a payment plan. Sending a certifed letter to explain your financial situation and offering to pay xxx amount each month should get you in the right direction to force a settlement by the judge, chances are they will not respond, if they do not, you just created evidence for yourself.