Jailed for $280: The return of debtors' prisons

[bhikkhu]

48. Good point - I forgot about that

basically, if you're going to repay, then making small payments is fine. If you aren't going to repay, then make it clear that you aren't and can't, and never even suggest that you will - as that can reset the statute of limitations on the time limit for collections.

And also, especially if you aren't going to repay, absolutely pay attention to and respond to any legal action against you, especially if it involves having to appear in court! The courts can often help you, but pretending they aren't there is the one way to parlay a measly debt into jail time.

I went through bankruptcy many years ago when it was easy, and came through fine. I was 22, and the idea of working like a slave for years to pay debts that were primarily not my fault was just not happening for me. Just a couple of years ago when things were really tight again, looking at my options there, I decided to just suck it up and keep paying. It will take awhile, but its mostly my house and student loans now, and that was all my choice to get into.