Bogey, Lilo is correct. Your tangible assets, like your car, is safe from unsecured creditors. It's not like a mortgage or a car loan.

I would still try to work with the guy as a sign of good faith. As Lilo indicated, look up your county bar association, and they will be able to steer you to a legal clinic that can offer advice and representation, free of charge.

Also, keep in mind that the you're not the only one in this predicament. In these times many people, especially the young, are experiencing these problems. Stay away from the companies that advertise on the radio that they can do a quick fix and get you out of debt. They're largely running a scam.