Talldog, you've really got to get someone to be on your side in this, who has legal knowledge, and support you. If you legally are in the right, then you need the relief of knowing that. If you are in the wrong legally here, then you need someone to help advise with damage control and what your best options for YOU are. This is too much stress for you to go this alone.
In any case, do not let the dollar amount scare you. You will need to keep a cool head. The best you can do is get an attorney. Are you low income? Great-- you can come out of this far easier than someone who isn't in that you can qualify for Free Legal Aid. Called them already?(or just assuming that you make too much to qualify?) Call 'em! They can help, or give a reference. Next: Ring the Attorney General's office in your state. Ring the Bar Assoc. in your state. Explain the situation (not case details, just the not-much-money-and-needing-a-lawyer info). Let them give you references in your area who CAN help. Incidentally, if you are a senior, Council on Aging often has low cost or free legal aid to those over 60... but again, you do have to make those calls to get the help.
Already, the other side has legal counsel. You want to catch up-- and you want someone to support, guide, help, advise you.. because living in fear is not healthy for you. You CAN find someone affordable to represent you-- even if you think you cannot. You simply need to make those calls, ring the attorney general's and the Bar Assoc to get contacts.
Look at it this way: You need a friend with legal know-how. Best case, this gets laughed out of court. Worst case-- you will still have counsel guiding you on what is safest and best for you. You need support. Please ring to find affordable counsel, it is available.
Take your power back in this situation. This much stress, over such a long time, is too much for you. You feel in the dark and scared-- and regardless of what may or may not happen with this case, you need to feel that YOU made those attorney telephone calls, YOU initiated your own counsel, YOU fought for control of your own situation. You need to not feel like a scared victim waiting for the ax to fall... you need to feel like you are responding by taking charge, no matter how scared you may feel, and you are going forward-- towards a future free of worry, by getting the answers and support you deserve.
((((((((HUGS)))))))))) to Talldog and your GSD!