What are the best recommendations for amending six years worth of unresolved debt?

In 2000, while working a good job, paying my bills, rent, credit cards, student loans, etc..., and making head way with my debt, circumstances and my poor judgement in dealing with those circumstances, I ended up a stones throw away from being homeless, ( was for 6 mos.) Now after six years of battling back to a good job, with a living wage, benefits, retirement, ect..., I would like to, need to, pay off what I owe and rebuild my credit. Obviously I have judgements, my student loan is in default, and all my past debts are in collections. Now that I have the means to pay them, what is the best way to maintain and manage my finances, without jeapordizing the status quo, while I initiate paying off my past debts? And just how do I initiate paying off my past debts? Where do I start? And with whom?

Sir ,
You do this very very carefully. This is like handling a basket of poisonous snakes. You wake up one at a time.
You contact the Smallest first , any settlements must be done in writing before any check is written. Anything you send to them must be certified return signature.
Cause if they are speaking - they are LIE ing.
Never give them post date check or electronic entrance to your accounts - they will clean it out.
visit DaveRamsey.com for more info on how to do this.
.
DO Not rebuild your credit - unless you enjoyed Slavery.
Read 'The Millionaire Next Door' understand why debt is slavery. Yes you can get a mortgage with out I Love Debt score.
Get a second job, amass a cash emergency fund, wake up the student loans with cash in hand. They can do real damage to your personal money.
Go slowly with knowledge.

I know this is probably going to sound crazy, but.....if you go to Oprah's website...

http://www.oprah.com

click on the debt diet information....it is a great tool and resource for the problems you are having and have had. Good Luck!

I'd start with contacting those who you owe. If your past debts are in collections, try contacting the company where the debts are and work out a repayment plan with them. They may not accept personal checks from you, but they should be able to make other arrangements. For your student loan, there should be a phone number on your agreement to which you can contact and discuss the situation. And do the same with the judgments. In my opinion, as long as you are able to make good on those debt, in the long run, everything will work out. Congratulations for at least getting this far. Most people I know run away from their debts. At least you're heading in the right direction. Good luck!