legal: process for law suit in mexico/ debt repayment

1)i owe 24000 pesos. i had been advised not to pay this debt in question. now the people want to sue (mexicans). what exactly should i expect? my lawyer says "we will respond" what is the process? how long does it take to get to court? do they get a court order before hand, come in your house, take your valuables as collateral? i head this is really bad, they clean you out. 2) in addition i have been recently advised that i can pay this debt in court before a suit is filed. (accompanied by a lawyer). will this protect me? i get a certified paper to prove i paid. & that the person picks up the $ @ the court. i get a certified paper to prove i paid. theres one more step involved but this is the short version.

You are expecting to get competent advice on legal matters from strangers on the internet? Can't your lawyer answer your questions better than a bunch of old folks hanging out on a message board waiting from their Metamucil to kick in?

Much will depend on what document proves you owe the debt, if you signed a pagare (promissory note) then they can come to your home, ask you to pay and if you say no, seize / levy your belongings.

Your lawyer should be able to answer all your questions and if not maybe you hired the wrong person.

Many attorneys don't like to settle cases as in the US as it cuts off their income stream. Unfortunately for all involved the amount is small so no attorney will be motivated to be a real advocate for their client and crappy service will probably be the norm.

reply to rolly: as you can see we have a legal person on this forum. it is good to cross reference all opinions. the legal forum advisor, my lawyers, other lawyers.