Oh, Rose, I'm sorry you have that added stress right now. I think collection agencies get their money from the percentage of what they collect and so they have to at least try; I also believe they only do that for a year before they "give up".

The suing part; my husband's company sued someone who did not pay for a huge amount of money and won the suit but my husband explained to me that it is pretty meaningless as the "court" does not have any way to collect (the Supreme Court does not have an "Army" so can't literally enforce its laws; Congress or the Pres, etc. has to do that) so all one is left with is a piece of paper saying you are owed. As you say, it's not like they can throw you in debtor's prison anymore? I guess they are just trying to unsettle/scare you so you do give that $5 a month you can't afford.

I would maybe see if your area has a legal aid sort of lawyer/school and ask them if you should do anything.

Personally, my stepson was in prison for awhile and creditors can't collect from them either. He got "ready" before he went in and he and his brother arranged his affairs, etc. We got 2-3 calls but, since he's very grown/never lived with us we just said, "we don't have one of those"/wrong number :-)