Need Advice - Can't Afford to Pay Divorce Settlement Obligation

[just-sandy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Currently Iowa, but divorced in Illinois.

My ex divorced me a year ago and I got the shaft because I could not afford the $1500 retainer for an attorney. Although I agreed to quit claim deed the house to him, signed a waiver for his pension, let him keep both the vehicles, I still got stuck with half the credit card debt (to the tune of $43,000). I lost my job in the mortgage lending industry two years ago and have had no luck finding anything. Except for the occasional odd job, I have no income. He took me to court in December 2008 for nonpayment and the judge ruled that I should pay $75.00 a week towards the debt and relinquish my boat to him (the only thing I got in the divorce), which lowered my obligation by $5000. Because I still haven't found employment, I have not been able to pay on the debt and he is taking me back to court, yet again, next week.

My questions are:
*Can I file bankruptcy on this obligation, since it's part of a divorce settlement? All the credit cards, except for one with a low balance, are in his name solely.
*Even if I am able to go that route, it wouldn't be filed before I go to court next week. Can the judge have me thrown in jail for contempt of court, since I haven't been able to pay? Can I have it delayed?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.