I know this doesn't answer your intial question, but you should know new bankruptcy laws went into effect (just about a year ago), it's no longer a "get out of debt, free" card...

"If you file now, you have to go to credit counseling first... Once people have gotten the voucher that they’ve gone to counseling, they must try to show that they deserve a “fresh start.” Most people will not qualify, however, and will have to enter into a five-year plan to pay back most of the money owed. All kinds of forms must be filled out in the process. Obviously, the objective is to deter people from filing for bankruptcy." from www.clarkhoward.com

Remember, bankruptcy is a 7-year black mark on ALL your credit accounts. You seriously need to sell everything that you don't use. You can see that you'll have to do this anyway, so why not just DO IT without the bankruptcy?

Sell the extra house, consider having only 1 car (I don't work, so we only have one car & it works fine), sell unnecessary household "stuff" on eBay or half.com or craigslist.com or have a yard sale and put all that money onto the credit cards. Also remember, if you're serious about not spending money, then NOTHING is sacred - and I mean cable, cell phones, new clothes, household improvements; do everything necessary to avoid bankruptcy!

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Katie
Devoted wife to Michael the architect (12/29/01)
Catholic Mama to Lucas John (9/27/03) and Lilia Mae (12/8/04) and our new baby due next June!
I stay at home; we plan our family & birth naturally, co-sleep, breastfeed/extended-breastfeed, babywear (Daddy does too!), and will homeschool!

I have no advice for you, but I want you to know that I will be praying that God will lead you and guide you and your husband in what you need to do!

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When Jesus returns, will you be ready???

I am wondering why you are not selling your other house, or at least renting it out. I'd think you could wipe out a good portion of your debt by doing this. You may not want to, but it may be a wiser choice than trying to file and have it on your record.

I know people that have done it, some after HUGE shopping sprees, which I felt was wrong. The laws have changed and it is harder to file now.

You need to look at how you got into this much debt, begin cutting out where you can.
Even if debt is from medical bills, they will work with you on repaying, but you must not ignore it.

I don't remember if it was someone on this board, or a local group I am on, but the woman called and told her credit car issuers they overextended themselves. She said I know it is totoally our own fault, and we want to make good on this, but we are in really deep. She asked for different payment dates, lower interest, etc. And I believe all but one card was willing to work with her. I also think she had to go higher than the person initially answering the call, but they DID work with her. You may want to try something like that.

you know exactly what your situation is if you're so far as to having trouble with food and lights your options are 1 cut back on frivolous things 2apply for assistance until you can get on your feet. 3an extra parttime job 4bankruptcy.5sell somethings But you know what is right for your family weigh the options with your husband plan a plan b plan c. what can we live with and pray about it that god would give you a clear mind and make a way.you're
not a bad person no matter what you decide. I always say do what you gotta do with the best you can.

Yes it is Morally Wrong to wipe out Your problems with a Chapter 7 if You Are living with and Enjoying every Penny of your debt.
I have seen it happen and Boy does it Tick me off -

If You are in Debt due to Job loss or a Medical Crisis and you are living In Hell with Nothing and No way out then No its not morally wrong -
I Feel it is there as a Safety Net for those in need

I like the term ethically wrong or just not being responsible more than morally wrong. I think it's wrong if you are living above your means, living the high life, not being responsible with your money and bankrupt out of it. Now if you are hit by tragedy, medical bills, job loss, and that's how you racked up the debt, than I think that is different.

Sell the house if you can't make payments.

Yep. What she said.

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Parker, Wyndser, and Carson....................Wyndser (in blue) with her cousin