Thanks! Yes, rough time but things usually work out for the better in this case. Definitely learned some important life lessons in a 4-year stretch during that

Thanks! Yes, rough time but things usually work out for the better in this case. Definitely learned some important life lessons in a 4-year stretch during that time though. Many of those lessons are being applied directly to my current endeavors. Personally, I think people get scared or have a fear of facing a debt collector in court. I believe that when it comes to small claims judgments (i.e. under $10K) there should be a more personal approach that encourages resolution instead of fear. Maybe instead of "default judgments" that are rubber-stamped by judges, the courts move to a more hands-on approach with hearings between mediators, the creditor, and the debtor. While this may require manpower, the time/cost savings of jailing debtors would be savings in the end. I hope the ACLU is successful in getting legislation passed.