Is there a way to freeze my payments for an amount of time then start paying them again?

You really should consider filing a chapter 13. The plan in a chapter 13 allows for you to make up mortgage arrears over a 3-5 year period. When you get finished with the plan, you will be debt free. Usually your unsecured creditors (credit cards, hospital bills, judgments, pay day loans, medical bills) will be paid less than 10% of what is actually owed. You should schedule a free consultation.

You may want to look into the possibility of filing a Chapter 13 case, does essentially the same thing.

You must get the creditor(s) to agree. If not, you will be in breach of contract.

Althuogh it can be possible to apply for a loan modification which could resolve your unpaid mortgage payments for a few months, this is a risky strategy and may not work. Try cutting out unnecessary expenses and pay your mortgage first. Your other creditors can wait!

Normally, if your creditors do not have a secured lien on your home then you should be fine. But, you really need to talk to a good bankruptcy attorney where you live because the laws differ between states. Please understand that filing for bankruptcy is a very complicated process. It is wise to talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney before deciding to take this important step. Most Arizona bankruptcy attorneys offer a free consultation about the basics of bankruptcy. Please take time to educate yourself about bankruptcy and to determine which attorney is the best to assist you in the process. Don't assume the attorney is being completely honest about their experience and capabilities. Check them out. Avoid the attorneys who advertise on TV or profess a 100% success rate in their Internet ads. It costs hundreds or thousands of dollars for these ads and someone has to pay for them - the clients. These attorneys mass produce the work and do not offer the client the hands on assistance that is necessary in a well-planned bankruptcy. Normally these firms assign all or most of the work to paralegals and the client rarely talks to an attorney. When interviewing the attorney ask them how long they have practiced bankruptcy law. Ask what percentage of their practice is focused on consumer work. Ask whether they are experienced in both chapter 7 and chapter 13 cases. Ask the attorney for references. Ask about their policy of returning phone calls. They should be committed to answering specific questions about your situation and help you understand your options. If, after talking with them you are still confused about the issues you raised, find another attorney. Check them out with the various ranking sources: such as the State Bar. An attorney should be your guide through this process. They should educate you, be there to assist you in how to avoid pitfalls and help you plan for your future after bankruptcy. There are hundreds of "bankruptcy" attorneys in Arizona. Of those just a few will fit the criteria set forth above. Again, bankruptcy is a very complicated process and you want to use an attorney who will be there when you need them. My best to you.