What happens when you get served by collection agencies?

You usually have around 20 days to file and answer with the courts and then you'll go to court. Make sure you do, or it will be a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. Remember, when you go to court, the judgment isn't based on your ability to pay or the circumstances to cause you to default (the judge doesn't care) - only on your contractual obligation (if you signed for the debt). There's so many sources online that say if you challenge it, you won't get a judgment. That's bs. A judgment is imposed 98% of the time. All the agency or creditor needs is proof you signed for the debt. Try to settle it out of court as a judgment will hurt your finances even more and severely hurt your credit.

Experience: I own a collection agency.