If your husband signed a promissory note in his name for moneys borrowed from this friend and he has failed to repay her under the terms of the promissory note assuming payment is now due and payable, he essentially has breached the terms under the promissory note. His apparent breach of the promissory note is much like the breach of a written contract.The purpose of the upcoming hearing is to establish liability and damages of the claims against your husband. Assuming he loses the upcoming trial, there will be a judgment entered against him. Once entered, the friend who is now a judgment creditor will then attempt to collect on the judgment awarded regardless of the fact that your husband apparently has no assets to satisfy any award against him.