I filed chapter 128 last September, its been a year and a brutal $800.00 a month. 2 years to go, I am hoping for the best. I used Miller and Miller and felt they handled my case responsibly, and explained the program quite well. Chapter 128 does offer a silver lining to a dark credit experience, but it does come at a cost, the trustee can make 7% if the money is taken from your paycheck and 10% if you send a personal check.
The nice thing about Chapter 128 is you can choose what to include, that leaves the option open to have a back up CC for emergencies and to help offset the ding that your credit rating takes.
The original creditor does retain the option to sue or place a judgment on your delinquent accounts, even after you file. However if you pay according to the agreement, you will only pay what the agreed upon amount at the time of filing.
The creditors must not contact you regarding your debt after you file, but AMEX did sell my debt to a C/A and I ended up settling that debt for 30% of what was owed and reduced my payment in the process.
The trustee I have is unreachable, but that is OK in my case, I have no need to contact them.
All in all, it is hard as hell, which is a good thing as pain helps us to learn from our mistakes. I can not wait for that last payment to be made, it will be great to have no more debt other than my home.
Good luck with your credit problems, let them only be a temporary blip in your life.