Bankruptcy or debt consolidation?

Greg...Chris C's post was a help....adding to that...first things first....the credit card debt...if it is not in your name, you need to find out if she put you on as an authorized user, if so, you are not responsible, if you signed on the dotted line to get the credit cards, yes you are responsible. If you did not sign, you need to contact each credit bureau and have them remove the incorrect information as in fact they are hurting your credit. As posted and as I mainly advise, bankruptcy should be your absolute LAST resort. If you make over the median income to qualify for a chapter 7, the only alternative is a chapter 13, which takes an allotted amount of money determined by the courts to pay for the debts. They would most likely have you sell the other home to pay for some debts, the chapter 13 plan runs either 3 or 5 years, depending on income. The payments are sent to the US Trustee of the bankruptcy court who then distributes the monies to the secured debts first, un secured last. While in a plan like this, anything financed you have to have the trustee approve. I'm not a fan of the chapter 13 as it leaves you with very little money to survive on. Debt consolidation, well...scam if you ask me..I'm not a fan of that either. As far as the vehicles, sell the beater and get the money to pay the debt if you are responsible for them. The trustees of the courts could make you sell the mobile home and pay off debts with the money. Best advise, you could contact a bankruptcy attorney to find out what your options are, most will see you free the first consult. You can check in www.cccs.org..which is a consumer credit counseling that I have heard is excellent. What you need to keep in mind...A bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, the debts for 7...If the debts are not paid, they can garnish wages and or bank accounts up to 100%...sounds like you have done well, and know how to pay your bills and are just overwhelmed with knowing she has left you with this debt. Here is another website that I found excellent information for credit, debts and bankruptcy issues... www.bcsalliance.com a good friend led me to that link and it provides excellent information. Good Luck!!