stalling until i have $ for a settlement

[vita]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? NJ

I was away from home when letters from collections arrived at my home. Now it has been about 45 to 50 days and I still can not afford to make a settlement payment. I would like to settle these accounts (as opposed to going bankrupt) if possible, but that will not be possible for me until next month or even May. In the meantime, is there anything I can write to them in a letter to stall the process and prevent these accounts from going to lawyers next? I know that Chase will pass the account to lawyers after a certain period of time. I have no assets or money but want to avoid bankruptcy on my credit report. Is it even worth it to make a small payment of a few hundred dollars to them this month (just to show I am willing to pay something towards the account). Or is that a waste of my money alltogether, as they have informed me that making such a payment will not be a part of any special payment arrangement or agreement. Please let me know if there is anything I can put in writing to them. The DV letter may not work in this case, as it is already 45 to 50 days since I got their first letters and also I have accepted responsibility for the debt. I am still not sure that every single charge on those accounts was authorized by me though...
I can not afford a lawyer at this time unfortunately. Thanks for any advice.

[Debt Guy]

Banks will charge off the accounts when they reach 6 months delinquent. Usually, they will not go to litigation until well after that time unless the balances are very large or there is something special about your case.

Sounds to me like you still have some time.

Sending them a little dab will not make your life any easier unless you can bring the cards current. If not, they will still hound you daily.

There is no such thing as building goodwill with these guys. Like a light switch, they are either off or on.