What options do I have if I just was informed that I was served papers back in October that I did not sign for or received?

I realize this is a challenging time for you and that you have lots of questions. It is okay to be anxious and overwhelmed; the trick is not fighting it. Instead, you are on the right track in educating yourself about options to deal with your financial situation. Addressing your current financial issues, including possible bankruptcy planning, is often like a Rubic's cube where many competing issues must be solved simultaneously. Issues such as: asset protection (protecting your basic necessities), creditor protection (not running up credit cards before filing), estate planning (inheritance), tax consequences, real estate (pending foreclosure) and your future (survival after bankruptcy).