utility bills

[okiemom2008]

We are filing soon. My lawyer wants us to include our CURRENT utility bills since we are behind. We are behind a month so far but have not had anything shut off. Does anyone else have experience with current utility bills and bk? I am worried they will turn them off since they wont be paid.

Thanks

[Tbornetun]

They have to open a new zero balance account for you the day you file. The past due amount your attorney wants to include in the bankruptcy will be exactly that, included in bankruptcy. This is another place to get that fresh start.

[IBroke]

We are filing soon. My lawyer wants us to include our CURRENT utility bills since we are behind. We are behind a month so far but have not had anything shut off. Does anyone else have experience with current utility bills and bk? I am worried they will turn them off since they wont be paid.

Thanks

Well, you will get rid of the amount you're behind, but don't be surprised if these companies demand a HEFTY security-deposit to continue their services..

So what I mean is that you could be paying what you're "saving" now in the long run. I won't include my utilities in my Chapter 7. Too much hassle and the problems are already programmed.

[okiemom2008]

Well, you will get rid of the amount you're behind, but don't be surprised if these companies demand a HEFT security-deposit to continue their services..

So what I mean is that you could be paying what you're "saving" now in the long run. I won't include my utilities in my Chapter 7. Too much hassle and the problems are already programmed.

And we are moving end of March so I really dont want to have to leave them a deposit for 30 days of service cause we all know how much of a pain getting them back is and how long it takes

[okiemom2008]

I won't include my utilities in my Chapter 7. Too much hassle and the problems are already programmed.

Did you have a choice? The receptionist said If we owe anyone money we HAVE to list it??

[IBroke]

Did you have a choice? The receptionist said no ifs ands or butts--If we owe anyone money we have to list it??

I don't think current expenses like rent or utilities MUST be listed.

I'll simly pay the bills prior to filing. Paid bill, no debt, nothing to file.

In addition, where is my advantage in listing a $100 utility-bill and get a discharge on that amount if the company makes me pay a $200 security-deposit? Sure, that money isn't lost but I have to get it from somewhere..

[okiemom2008]

I don't think current expenses like rent or utilities MUST be listed.

I'll simly pay the bills prior to filing. Paid bill, no debt, nothing to file.

In addition, where is my advantage in listing a $100 utility-bill and get a discharge on that amount if the company makes me pay a $200 security-deposit? Sure, that money isn't lost but I have to get it from somewhere..

True. The only problem is I cannot pay the utility bills before my filing date. I just don't have the money and the lawyer is very booked so don't want to reschedule

[IBroke]

True. The only problem is I cannot pay the utility bills before my filing date. I just don't have the money and the lawyer is very booked so don't want to reschedule

Ah, my mistake. I stopped reading at "CURRENT" utility bills (and missed that you are actually behind).

In that case, list them and get a fresh start. If I'm thinking correctly, you should get a "free" month due to your discharge - that might help in regards to the security-deposit. They often allow you to pay the deposit in installments - that might be an option, too.

[okiemom2008]

Ah, my mistake. I stopped reading at "CURRENT" utility bills (and missed that you are actually behind).

In that case, list them and get a fresh start. If I'm thinking correctly, you should get a "free" month due to your discharge - that might help in regards to the security-deposit. They often allow you to pay the deposit in installments - that might be an option, too.

Since we will be moving out of state I will be changing companies. I think I will just pay these when I can that way I don't have to put down a deposit for them to turn them back on for 30 days of service.

[IBroke]

Since we will be moving out of state I will be changing companies. I think I will just pay these when I can that way I don't have to put down a deposit for them to turn them back on for 30 days of service.

You could also tell them that you would pay the possible deposit a month later (you can tell them you're short on cash this month but the next will be much better etc.).

Your situation is a bit tricky though..

[okiemom2008]

You could also tell them that you would pay the possible deposit a month later (you can tell them you're short on cash this month but the next will be much better etc.).

Your situation is a bit tricky though..

I know..every aspect is difficult it seems. We are going through hard times and our lives are a mess. It sucks. I am trying not to go into depression but I am feeling it more and more everyday

[eddiep]

Has anyone had any experience with verizon wireless or comcast (internet/cable)? Will they close my accounts?

[IBroke]

I know..every aspect is difficult it seems. We are going through hard times and our lives are a mess. It sucks. I am trying not to go into depression but I am feeling it more and more everyday

I hear you. I'm going to file and my mother a few months later. The good thing about not having any assets is that they can't take anything from you. That's why we are going to file without an attorney (couldn't afford one in the first place). My mother is a realtor and right now, is making some money with houses, too. The difference is obvious: Right now, she's not selling them - she's cleaning them.

However, I'm actually looking forward to our BKs and I see it as a fresh start. Times when a BK on your record meant "YOU HAVE FAILED" are over. Just look at the entire country and its debt. Just like the President said:

"We're in this together."

Boy, he's SO right.

[IBroke]

Has anyone had any experience with verizon wireless or comcast (internet/cable)? Will they close my accounts?

Utility-companies are usually not allowed to shut-off your service when you file. Cable-TV might be an exemption because it is considered "luxury" rather than essential service (Yeah, I know, to me, TV is essential, too).

A cellphone-company or comcast are privat and it might be up to them if they restore your service, require a deposit or simply want to get rid of you after the discharge.

Your gas- or electric-company however is often the only provider serving your area, so they HAVE TO go on servicing you (if you pay their deposit and keep on making the payments).

[sophia]

Need info from those who were renting apt. and filed in Florida

wrong thread..sorry...