What happens if you just don't pay?

[Humonese]

This may be a dumb question, but as I mentioned in another thread, I have $60k in credit card debt. What happens if I just stop paying? What can they do?

They sell the debt to someone else who bugs me, right? Then it just screws up my credit - for how long compared to bankruptcy?

I'll keep paying for the house and cars, but on Unemployment with child support coming out, the cards are just too much.

Ugh - this sucks!

[Tbornetun]

That's right, for now. They may go after you in court at a later date to recover the money but if you are still on unemployment, they won't be able to collect. They will be granted the judgment, so you will eventually need to pay it.

[Humonese]

I just found another thread on the topic, sorry.

Wife and I are officially separating. I'm going to need to stop paying CC's and stop using them for like six months, then file Ch. 7.

[allavdj]

Depending on your income situation, if you have any property, or how "liquid" you appear on paper how long it takes to come after you can vary greatly.

Myself for example: I am self employed, have no checking account, and rent...on paper I have nothing. As of this month it's been two years since I've paid on my $10,000 AMEX account. It keeps getting bounced around CA's and even two "law firms", but since I have nothing for them to take, no wages or checking account to garnish..."blood from a turnip" anyone?

After our pregnancy is taken care of and any surprise doctor bills have turned up, I'll start the process of filing BK, until then...I just send C&D letters and ignore the phone.

[Humonese]

Well, I don't have anything that's paid off, I owe on everything, house, cars, etc. but I do "have" stuff.

But yeah, I guess if they'll get it eventually I may as well file.