Debt Help for Seniors

I recently read an article that you wrote in the Tampa Bay Times regarding Debt Help foro Seniors. I have been agonizing over this for a very long time. Back in 2011 we were advised by a local attorney to stop paying our credit card bills. Two of the companies that were advised not to contact us were sued and we received $1000 from each that was put into escrow at the attorney's office. We received a 1099 from another of the creditors that had to be declared on our 2015 taxes and we ended up paying $500. I have tried to contact the attorney's office but my phones calls and emails are ignored. I did receive several emails from a paralegal from that firm in December 2015 stating that I should just let the statute of limitations run out. If the statute of limitations in Florida is 4 years, then why did I receive the 1099 for last year. I also recently received another letter from a debt collection agency for one creditor that I know no payments were made after November 2011. I am very confused and concerned about all this. My husband and I are on Social Security and he works a part time job for about 20 - 25 hours a week. I am working a temporary part time job. We live in a house owned by his brother and in lieu of paying rent, we pay taxes and insurance and the upkeep on the house. My husband drives an 18 year old car and I drive a 13 year old car. I don't know what to do about all this. Could you please give me some direction? I would appreciate any help you can give me reagrding this. Thank you.