Starve or go into debt

This kind of story is probably common, but I'll tell it anyway. I was surprised by divorce papers one day at home. I quickly found that the checking and savings accounts had been drained and that my credit card had been used by my ex (legally) until nearly maxed out. She used most of our budgeted money to put a nice cushion on her cards. The divorce lasted almost two years, and in the last 6 months of it I suddenly found myself laid off. Something had to give - it was either stop paying my bills or starve. I wish I'd known more at the time - I didn't realize that creditors would be willing to work with me. I just got scared and started avoiding them while desperately trying to find a job. That was almost two years ago. In that time I found a job and a new woman I hope will become my wife. I've almost paid off all of my debt, with only a few small things left. It hasn't been easy and I've had to deal with some ugly collections agencies (and I seeked them out to pay off the debt in most cases - you'd think that would make them nicer). I do have questions on one debt that I'm not sure I should have to pay, which is why I'm here.