Many smaller debts owed to medium and large companies or financial institutions may be worth your time and effort to resolve on your own. Generally, for a larger creditor (not a mom & pop business), it may cost the creditor too much money and time collecting, fighting or suing over the full amount of a small debt.

Recent legislation has severely restricted the ease with which a debtor may file bankruptcy so you may want to consult a bankruptcy lawyer before filing. The debtor does not have to show that he or she is insolvent (i.e. can't pay the bills) to qualify for bankruptcy, but if the debtor has had a case dismissed for lack of cooperation the debtor is prohibited from filing again for a period of 180 days.