Q: What happens if I fail to apear for a smalls claims mediation in Lake County florida

A: They will get a default judgment most likely and they win, then they will start the process of trying to find out about your assets and work towards trying to garnish your accounts and employment pay. It is advised that you attend the mediation, do not let them bully you, do not sign anything you are not comfortable with and cannot pay. Remember, this is a negotiation (give and take), they usually always try to bully and take, but stand your ground. If you cannot reach agreement then you will likely have a date set before a judge based on their calendar. If you have nothing or very little and are head of household, even if they win, they may be able to do very little, be aware, this could hang over your head for 10-20 years if they get a judgment so fight tooth and nail to reach a reasonable resolution. If all else fails and you owe other debts and have very little, consider seeing a bankruptcy attorney for further options and potentially trying to clear your debt/s. Remember, not showing up is never the right answer, you give the other side an easy win which they are most always counting on. Respond to documents the best you can, make demands for records and documentation, make them prove you owe, did not pay, their numbers are accurate and correct, they own the debt, they have a right to collect the debt and so forth. Many of these lawsuits are based on debt buyers paying pennies on the dollar for your debt, make them prove they have a right to collect the debt and that they own the debt now. Again, whatever you do, show up at least and do not give them an easy win.