You mention that you are able to keep up with the payments, so bankruptcy shouldn't be an option. I would see a Consumer Credit Counselor instead. They offer credit counseling for no fee or a low fee. They can arrange for a better payment plan and perhaps for the creditors to stop assessing finance charges. I also think that contacting CCCS will help with your late fees.
Some creditors purposely post payments late in order to get the fees.
By getting CCCS involved, this should stop. Until you meet with CCCS, mail your payments two weeks before the due date so they are less likely to post them late. My last piece of advice is to stop using credit. You mentioned that the cards are maxed out. It sounds like you may be using them for everyday life.