You are under no obligation to attend a bench trial where you are a defendant sued by a creditor seeking to collect upon an unpaid debt seemingly owed by you. However, it is a very good idea to attend for the simple fact that if you do not, most likely there will be a default judgment entered against you.A default judgment is when the plaintiff wins a lawsuit because the defendant fails to attend the hearing or fails to answer the complaint.If a default judgment is entered against you, the plaintiff would have every right to try and collect upon it by leving upon your bank accounts and garnish your wages.I suggest that you attend the upcoming bench trial to defend yourself. Perhaps you will be able to enter into some settlement agreeemnt where you make monthly payments on a stated agreed upon amount. Most likely the home you own would be exempt from any levy under your state's homestead exemption.Good luck.