Trying Debt Validation And Need Some Advice

Hey guys.

I owe American Express money but the account went into collections over the summer. Now a law firm is trying to get me to pay... I sent them a validation request and they responded with a summons yesterday along with exhibit A: the terms of the card agreement (my signature or name not on it) and B: a copy of the latest card statement with my name and address and balance, and an "affidavit in support of sworn account" that's notarized stating that all "facts stated herein are true and correct." by an affiant "attorney in fact".

This debt had previously been referred to GC Services out of St Louis but apparently had given up.

The summons names me the defendant (obviously )and American Express as the plaintiff.

Also, I called Amex earlier and a rep told me that they had no information on my account since it had went into collections.

My questions are: has this debt been sold or assigned to this law firm, Slovin and Associates of Cincinnati ( I live in Ohio)?

Is what they provided me enough to validate the debt or are they just trying to intimidate me with insufficient and professional looking documents?

I know I owe Amex the money but shouldn't i deny the summons points? (which is what I'm wanting to do, hoping they back off for a while and I can save up enough money to settle the debt later on)

Will they own me in court or should I go with my instinct and try and fight it?

Thanks for any responses.