Long backstory short: Six-figure student loans, 100% private, state of Pennsylvania, strategic default three years ago, living as an expat for six years, last visited home shortly after deciding on default.

Now, planning a trip back to the USA (state of New York) for a wedding later this year.

The worry: Collectors deciding to sue, but not being properly served (so the family might not notice or find out) and therefore not appearing in court, having a default judgment, and then being found in contempt of court for not obeying it, followed by a bench warrant, followed by being arrested either on arrival or attempted departure at the airport.

Can anyone tell me how likely these worries are, what to do about them, and basically how safe it is to visit home under these circumstances?