My husband and I want to pay off some credit card debt; which is the better option?

I have very high unsecured debt. I can’t keep up the minimun payments. would debt consolidation be the way to go, or should I declare bankrupcy.Which would hurt me more in the long run?

especially if you dont’ have the money to pay off the monthly balance? i have $8,000 worth of credit card debt and not sure if it was a good idea to get a debt consolidation loan to pay 3 of ‘em.

I owe on 3 credit cards. One is starting to fall behind on the payments as its too much to pay. Which route is the way to go? Debt consolidation or contacting creditors & explaining that I was living beyond my means & now I am having trouble paying.
On the one card I’m having trouble with (Chase), my monthly balance is $299 but I can afford to pay $180 a month to them. I’ve heard horror stories where people get the WORST treatment when they try to set up payment plans with credit card companies. Do most companies decline an offer of a payment arrangement? I can get back to more payments in January or February but now is hard.