Bankruptcy is never a quick solution. Depending on where you live a filing fee may be as low as $500 or well over $1,000.00. Sometimes a credit counselor can help, maybe better budget yourself. It may seem that the money you owe is overwhelming but talk to a lawyer (never pay for a fact finding meeting thou) and explore your options. Make sure your kids and yourself and your animals are taken care of, get priorities, then move ahead. It will all work out, I promise.