Do multiple judgements carry the same affect as a bankruptcy? I am wanting to finally get my credit together, after years of being young and stupid, but I want to make sure it's worth it to pay everything off or just file bankruptcy and start over.

Multiple judgements ( how many) could even be worst than a bankruptcy depending amounts and age.

But with judgements, while they expire, in most areas they can easily be renewed, so the judgement to allow them to garnish your pay, take all the money in your bank accounts, can last for 20 or 30 years.

You need to have a professional review all of your old and new debts,