Expert: Mark J. Markus- California Bankruptcy Attorney - 2/23/2005

Question
What chapter would by used in a case like this?  How much would it cost?  How would it affect my credit?  Is there another way to get rid of these debts?
Thank you,
Josh

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Followup To
Question -
  At one point I had good credit.  I got into a  financial slump and got behind with all my creditors.  Once I was back into a position to pay off my debts, I made payment arrangements with all my creditors.  Most have been paid in full.  Three of them were not.  One car loan, a credit card from the same bank, and a credit card from another bank.
  My agrreement with both banks was that I would begin making payments (slightly more than original) and the accounts would be marked as current (paid up to date as of my first payment under this agreement).  After 6 months of on time payments, it was to be reported on my credit as not delinquint, and one of the credit cards was to be reactivated.
  After 3 months of consecutive on time payments, one bank called me threatening to reposses my car (car had been totalled, and I was paying off what the insurance didn't).  They told me no deal had ever been made, and I now owed the full amount up front or the car.  I refused to pay any more at that point.  Both accounts from that bank were charged off.  A collection agency later made payment arrangements concerning this debt with me. The first of these payments to be due in 90 days as I had recently moved and started a new job.  28 days later I recieved a letter stating that I owed the full amount because I broke my part of the payment arrangements.
  After 9 months, I checked my credit report and found the other credit card still past due.  I called the bank and asked why it was never  reported as agreed, and was told that the deal I made was not possible and whoever told me it was had lied to me.  I then refused to make any further payments.  The account was charged off.
  I have no intentions to pay either of these debts.  This happened over 3 years ago, and I have since then aquired other small debts.  Several have been paid in full.  I am trying to rebuild my credit, but these three charge off's are stopping me from doing a lot.
  My question is what can I do about these old debts that I don't intend to pay?  Would bankruptcy be an option?  What chapter?  Is there another way without bankruptcy?  I don't want to ruin the past two years of positive credit history trying to fix something older.  Will these drop off my credit report after a certain time frame?
  I'm sorry this question is so long, I didn't want any variables left out that may affect the answer.  
Thank you in advance,
Josh
Answer -
Bankruptcy is definitely an option to consider.

Answer
The questions you are asking can only be answered after a comprehensive consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in your area.  It's not possible to assess which Chapter you should file nor do I have any idea where you live or what fees are charged there, etc.