Letter from lawyers regarding discovery

[In Too Deep]

I recieved a letter from a lawyer a week ago saying that I MUST answer questions regarding my assets for discovery. They claim that if I don't, I could be in contempt of court. This letter was sent through the regular mail, and didn't require a signature. Nor was it sent registered. How can they prove I even GOT it? The letter is a follow-up to the judgement against me that I didn't answer because I know I owe the money....I just can't pay it right now. I have a few other judgements against me, but since I live in Pa. and wage garnishment isn't allowed by law I figured I was relatively safe. I own no home or property, I have only an older vehicle (1997), etc.

I've recieved at least one other letter like this from different lawyers, and I ignored it because I think I read somewhere that when this type of thing comes directly from a lawyer, they are usually just fishing for info. As I understood it, I don't have to answer anything that comes directly from a lawyer regarding discovery, but DO have to answer the court if THEY demand discovery directly. Could it REALLY go that far? I have ZERO assets, they can't take my pay check, and I always keep my checking account low. And even if they DID try to take what I have in my account, the ONLY money I have going in is from my direct deposit from work. Would that not be the same as garnishing my wages, therefore I could challenge it by showing my deposit details for the last X number of months?

If I came into a large sum of $$$$ tomorrow the first thing I would do is pay off my CC debts...or at least try to make a deal to pay them off in one lump sum. It really stinks living like this. Eventually I will probably look into going bankrupt, as that's got to be a better option than going through this kind of thing for the rest of my life. Especially with various judgements sitting on my credit report and hanging over my head for who knows how long. As I don't expect a big windfall anytime soon, bankruptcy may be my only option. These CC companies aren't reasonable when it comes to paying them back, ESPECIALLY when you fall behind. They say "Sure, we'll take payments. Give us 500 dollars a month until you pay the balance IN FULL, including any and all interest". With gas prices and the economy the way it is, WHO CAN DO THAT???? Anyway, to reiterate the main question I have before I got off track with my rant:

Should I answer the lawyer's letter of discovery, and if I don't....do I risk being in contempt? Thank you so much for any help anybody could offer.