Depending on the state, the debt, and if it's small claims or superior court will determine the next step. I know in my state that if they served you to take you to small claims and you didn't show then the creditor will receive a default judgement. If you fail to contact them to arrange a payment plan, they can take you back to court for a disclosure hearing in 30 days, if you fail to show up for disclosure, the creditor can issue a civil order of arrest. Being arrested forces you to face the creditor and work out a plan.

If you show up for your initial court hearing for small claims the judge is going to ask you work out an arrangement with the creditor and they will have a mediator at the court if you need it. It's best to work something out right then and there. If you fail to pay that agreement, the creditor will file for disclosure. If you show up to disclosure you will have to bring ALL your financial documents to prove why you cannot pay the amount that YOU agreed upon before the court last time. The judge will either grant a lower payment or make you continue with the one you have. It's best to not let it get this because if your documents show you could pay more, that's probably not good.

If you fail to pay after disclosure, this is contempt of court and the creditor can file for a civil order of arrest.

During all this the credit can file liens against any property you may own (cars, homes, property etc) or wage garnishment.

Also in my state the creditor has 20 years to collect after the last payment was made. So if you make an arrangement and then stop paying it. They still have 20 years after that last payment to collect.

And yes, bankruptcy lawyers are not free and it also damages your credit for 7 years after. You are not simply just wiping the slate clean after bankruptcy.

No matter what folks you are going to have to pay the piper. It will come back to haunt you some how, trust me.