In the long run which would be quicker to repair and restore my credit? I'm around $20,000 in debt give or take a little. Nearly $15,000 of that is for a car that was repossessed (which someone had co-signed on, so I have screwed their credit up as well.) First of all almost a year ago I was terminated on a retaliatory basis. I had gotten credit cards for emergencies while I was working there. The boss had me going out of town and I didn't have the money and he wasn't willing to pay or reimburse for these business trips, so I HAD to get a credit card. After being terminated I contacted the companies as I had been paying into the payment protection plan. Which of course, they refused to honor until I acquired the proof that I was no longer working there. I sent a request letter to the man I was working for and he refused to give me a letter of dismissal. So, my main questions are: -Should I file bankruptcy or pay off my debt? Which would be better on my credit? -Regardless of whether I file bankruptcy or not is there any way for me to contact the credit card companies and have them take off all of the overdraft fees, late fees, and reimburse, or deduct rather the months I was out of work that THEY SHOULD have been making the payments? IS this something I should even consider doing or is it a waste of time? -Or should I have them reimburse all of the months I paid into the payment protection plan? -How much will I have to pay back? -Is there a particular site where I can further research the NEW bankruptcy law? -Around how much will an attorney cost in California? Advice please!!!! Your advice is very much appreciated.