He should do his best to avoid bankrupcy but it could get serious enough to need it, if they don't change their ways. Bankrupcy lawyers want to be paid in advance.
The idea of paying off the small accounts first seems good to me, provided they use the payment that they had been paying on the smallest bill goes to the next smallest bill when the first one is paid off. Then to the next smallest, and to the next until they are paid off. Do not reduce the amount of payment to bills until they are all paid.
Other things to do can be many. Some have been mentione such as do not eat out, do not eat pre-prepared food. Get rid of cable and go to an antenna system if possible. Walk when they can instead of driving. Bake bread, biscuits, cornbread, cakes and cookies at home. They taste better and cost less than store bought. Forget vacations for the durationl.
If the car needs replaced, replace it with a used, not new car. Somethig good enough to get to work and around town. If they go out of town they can rent for the day or 2. Try to get by with one vehicle. Ride a bicyle instead of driving. Use cupons at the grocery store. Reduce the amount of gifts you give.
But remember to tithe.
