Bankruptcy? Debt Consolidation? Consumer Credit Counseling?

[credit casualty]

I'm trying to not file for bankruptcy. Overdraft protection is the only thing keeping me from making late or no payments at all on my bills and that's nearly maxed out. I'm in huge cc debt, apppr 35k, and bankruptcy seems like the easiest way out and to feel like a person again. I want to try and fight my way out of this mess if I can. I would like to see if a service can help me but know there's a lot of scams out there. Is CCCS a debt consolidation service like Debtco or are they two different things? How do I go about finding a fair and reputable service? What types of questions should I ask? I'm near Portland, OR. Anyone have a suggestion of where to find a good service or lawyer (if bnkrp is in the future)? Also, is a charge off really that much better or different than filing for bankruptcy? What's the difference when it comes to your credit report and how it is viewed by potential lenders? TIA

[tryinthis2]

a charge off means that a company who lent you money tried to get you to pay and didnt and had to "write off" your debt from their books. They probably sold your debt to a collection agency. they took a loss when they took a chance lending you money is how a lender will see it. Bankruptcy is just a total write off of all debts..yes that one is worse. Bankruptcy is the only thing that will stop collections. I suggest if your credit cards arent delinquent yet to apply for a few more cards (sounds dumb I know) then balance transfer the cards hopefully to ONE card. when you make a balance transfer you actually miss a payment to the card you would have had to pay. your new card is paying that payment for you. saved a month right there...plus the interest on that card for that month.

[chslaw]

If you feel the moral obligation to repay some of your debts over time, you might consider a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I consider debt consolidationn services to be worthless. Contact a local bankruptcy for further assistance.