My question involves bankruptcy in the state of: California

My spouse and I are both out of work and have our second mortgage coming after us for about $13k. We have seen a lawyer but haven't retained him yet and I didn't get to ask everything I wanted to. We've only missed one credit card payment and they are calling already and I know the others will too (altogether we pay about $240 to cc's a month). So, is it okay to wait another month or two to actually file the bankruptcy? Is the worst that can happen is that the creditors harrass you? I have a few weeks of severance pay that I can only get if it is direct deposited and it will inflate my bank account for the next month or so. After that, I will only be getting unemployment unless I can land a job. I am applying like crazy! Thanks in advance for the response....