When they say you have to answer by a certain date, they are referring to your verified reply to the charges they have stated on the complaint that came with the summons.

You can actually do that yourself. You simply state that it is your reply to their summons and complaint... and type it up exactly as they typed it....

It is possible that you are without specific knowledge of some of their assertions. You can state that you do not know. You can state that you agree with the statement, or you can deny their statement. That does not mean you have to tell them why, just that you deny it. Just don't lie. Your statements should be notarized and returned to the court in the envelope they provided.

You probably need a lawyer, but personally, I think you won't find it very taxing to answer simply so that your reply can be returned to the court within the proper time frame.

Then go looking for a law student or a young lawyer with a lower fee structure. If the loan has been sold, you need to force them to show proof all the way along.