Dismissal of Bankruptcy

[prescottmonkey]

I filed for Bankruptcy in January, 2003. It was dismissed later that spring because I could not meet all the requirements. However, a lot of my creditors wrote my debt off anyway for some reason. Some didn't, though, and I have not paid on them since 2002. Someone told me I should not pay on them and they will eventually get written off after 5-7 years of nonpayment, as long as they do not find where I live and are able to sue me. Is this crazy or possible?
Also, when will my bankruptcy dismissal go off my record? Is it the same as a regular bankruptcy, 7 years?

[HHM]

Second question first, the Bankruptcy dismissal can be reported for up to 10 years.

As to your first question, simply because a creditor "wrote off" the debt, doesn't mean you are not still contractually obligated to pay that debt. However, that doesn't mean you have to pay. But that also doesn't mean a collection agency or debt purchaser won't pop up and try to collect the account.

But yeah, no point in paying the debts now. However, continued non-payment will only make your credit worse.