First let me say I live in MN so I don't know how the court system works where you live but here is the Reader's digest version (if there is one)
I had responded to the first collection notice I received from the latest CA (I had received same notice from 2 other CA's within two months of this one) within about 10 days, and according to both State & Federal law, you only need dispute the information within that 30 days. The first two I sent my dispute CMRRR, the 3rd, I thought within this timeframe was ridiculous so I did not send CMRRR.
I heard nothing until about 7 mos. later (May 2006) I received a Summons & Complaint by some kid. I responded immediately with dispute again, copies of the other letters and DV request, this I sent CMRRR to both the latest CA and the LVNV, they had BOUGHT the account.
Nothing until another 6 mos. (Nov 2006) was an Request for Admissions, blah, blah, blah, and I did NOT respond because to me, they had already violated my right when they refused to validate the debt. I did however file a complaint with the AG office and the FTC.
Keep in mind during all this time I've been disputing these stinking duplicate reporting accounts with the CRs - they just keep saying it was validated.
Never heard anything again until March of this year with the Informational Statement - I responded with a notice that I intended to sue both them and LVNV for violating some of my rights. My notice crossed in the mail with an assignment of Judge. 3 days later (I knew they received the letter of suit CMRRR and they disregarded) I receive a request of Judge reassignment. (According to Atty in MN that's a normal thing), I figured they did it because they got the "newbie to the bench Judge" instead of the one for 10 years...
Anyway, in May I receive a notice for Summary Judgment hearing, I responded, they responded - always got their responses on a Friday night...anyway, I went to that hearing and admitted I owed the original OC; pointed out that I was entitled to ask for proof they owned the right to collect since I had received notices from (3) different CAs; disputed amount they were asking; stated it is in both Federal & State law I only need dispute debt within first 30 days; and that I have submitted paperwork to an atty for his review to represent me.
Right before the hearing, I received a response from the Court in response to the request for Informational hearing (which drags this out until April of next year).
I have heard nothing from anyone so today I mailed a Final response to the Judge and the firm stating that the validation I received does NOT prove ownership or their right to collect, they cannot be both assignee & purchaser of an account; and that an account 5.5 years old was probably purchased for a penny on the dollar or less. I included a copy of the internet article I found stating this, offered to alleviate the Court's time if they would accept $13.28 for the account in exchange for complete deletion of all credit reporting since they were re-aging the account, reporting it twice, etc.
We'll see what happens, but I figure hey, it can't hurt, and I mentioned I would be pursuing a separate claim against them for violating my rights
Best of luck to you - if they get a default judgment that's it for you - they WILL take your bank account or whatever else they can get their hands on. Been on that road too.