Can You Include Past Due Utility Bills In Your Bankruptcy?

Yes! The Bankruptcy Code requires that you include all debts you owe as of the date of filing your bankruptcy case. All debts include past due amounts you owe to the local phone company, electric company, cable company, etc. Your phone, cable, water, and electric company cannot discriminate against you either only because you filed a bankruptcy or you owed a debt to them before you filed your case. There is one catch, however. In the first 20 days after your case is filed, the utility provider may demand an additional deposit. If this demand is unreasonable, then your attorney may have the court reduce the deposit.

The bottom line: don’t get behind on your utility bills after you file. And if you stay current after you file and your utility company or companies does disconnect your service or demand an outrageous deposit, call your lawyer!