If filing bankruptcy, does it matter if things go to collections?

[DecentHuman]

It's gotten to the point now where a couple of credit cards and a bank have sent my accounts to collections. If I am getting ready to file bankruptcy, does it matter? For instance, is it worse on my credit to have collections before a bankruptcy than not? Also, is there a point of no return where something is too far gone to be saved by bankruptcy? I mean, I know a completed foreclosure, sold at the courthouse can't be saved by bankruptcy, but anything else? I don't want to miss some important deadline or something. Thanks.

[AngelinaCatHub]

It will matter not to your credit if you are in collections, or they sold the debt to an agency. It will all be discharged.

Your credit now is toast, but not to worry, a substantial amount of Americans will follow you and have already done so.

What is it you wish to "save". You can make your intentions known as to let's say you want to pay your car, then they will most likely not foreclose and repo it. You can also reaffirm a debt but it has it's own problems. Do a search on these terms and read all the "stickies" that will apply as this is a very common question. 'Hub

[frogger]

It will matter not to your credit if you are in collections, or they sold the debt to an agency. It will all be discharged.

Your credit now is toast, but not to worry, a substantial amount of Americans will follow you and have already done so.

I'm right in there with you. 'Hub has good advice.

[DecentHuman]

Thanks Angelina and Frogger, I gave a big sigh after reading your advice, so that must mean relief. As far as "saving" things, I just meant I don't want to wait too long. For instance, here are two things that a bankruptcy can not do if I wait too long and miss the boat on certain things:
1) entitle me to foreclosures getting recorded in rem instead of in personam
2) allow my landlord permits and late fees to be discharged, so long as they have not gone past the deadline set by the Code Board where they start accruing fines and penalties - then they are no longer dischargeable. At least this is my current understanding.

I was afraid that if I allowed my credit card debt to go too long, and it went to collections, or worse, a lawsuit leading to a judgment, maybe it would be too late to get it discharged in bankruptcy, but that's not true, correct?
Thanks in advance!