How can I avoid being taking to court by one of my credtiors?

Only they know under what circumstances they will file suit and under what circumstances they will settle. It sounds like you are a good candidate for bankrupcy, (which is out of my area of expertiese), but I do know that a bankrupcy filing stays all other actions/lawsuits. I woud talk to a bankrupcy lawyer. In the meantime tell them that you are contemplating bankrupcy, (true), and the most you can come up with is X dollars, and if they don't like it, they can file suit. You can then promptly file bankrupcy and stay the creditor's lawsuit. However, once they know that you are aware of your rights, they will probably change their attitude. I would also consider contacting a consumer rights lawyer in your vicinity as a suprising number of professionals violate the Federal Fair Debt Collections Act, and then THEY can be sued by you. FInally, if you are judgement-proof, (you have only minimal assests, no real estate equity, etc,). Tell them that and tell them to "pound sand," that you can't get blood from a turnip--you have nothing to give, (if that is true).

Good Luck