hey freedom,
Make them an offer... the best thing to do is communicate with the creditor and keep a conversation going. If they know you're progressing with your payments and not a dead beat, they may work a deal with you.
With regards to the creditor communicating with you for a judgment. You would have to receive some sort of court notice to say that there is an action against you. IE.. the rules of small claims say that the plaintiff must serve the defendent.
It's always a good idea to stay in touch with creditors ... they worry most when they aren't communicating with a delinquent client.