What alternatives are there to debt management programs in settlement of debt

Debt management programs.: I enrolled in a debt management program a few months ago. We have around $10,000.00 in credit card debt. We were paying well, until we had to incur the expense of a new baby (not planned). With the cost of daycare ($500.00 per month), we fell behind. in the program, we pay a certain amount each month that goes into an escrow account. When enough is in there they will negotiate with the creditors to pay off the debt. I know this hurts my credit, but it was the only way I could think of to pay my bills without being garnished. The attorney fee was $1,500.00, which is payable over 17 months, so part of the payment goes toward the fees and part to the escrow account. My question is, do you think we did the right thing, or was there another way to pay off our debt? I live in Georgia, in case you need to know. - Is this your question? Add additional information