This is not criminal court this is civil court, one cannot go to jail! This is a legal process. One will not get put in handcuffs for standing up for one's legal financial rights. Go to civil court OR small claims court and do it for free by filing as an indigent. Yes, one has to go through security and/or metal detectors, so don’t bring any weapons or potentially dangerous metal objects.
If a Defendant, remember nothing can be taken from (especially if one has a trust). If a Plaintiff, remember one is simply asking for proof and they're in trouble WHEN they do not have it. Go to the scheduled courtroom. It is a quiet room, pick where to sit. They may tell the audience to sit on one side, so listen to the directions of the court officer. Be polite and always answer with "Yes sir" or "No sir" and "Much obliged sir". Wait until called. Then see if the opponent has shown up. If not, one will be awarded a "Default Judgement"! If they do show, they will want to go directly to mediation to discuss a settlement.
Have only one question, "What is the settlement offer?" If the settlement offer given includes a clause to "never sue the company again", do not agree. Simply state that one will remove this lawsuit WITH PREJUDICE as long as they agree to get the derogatory mark off the credit reports and from their system in 30 days.
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING when first getting it! Tell them that time is needed to review the document. Take it home, look over it. Heck! Take it down to the free legal council area in the courthouse (or schedule a time if necessary) and have another lawyer look over it. Make sure not to get screwed over in the contract. Once sure, sign it and send it off.
NOTE: If one doesn't like the terms of their agreement, open up a Word Processor and type up the changes one is willing to accept. Sign it and send it off. Most times lawyers don't read settlement offers (that they think they made) and just file the paperwork when received.