People in financial difficulty often get behind on regular living expenses, like their utilities.  Can these bills be wiped out along with the credit cards?  They sure can!  Like any other general unsecured debt, the electric or phone bill can be wiped out in bankruptcy.  But there can be a catch.

The bankruptcy code allows utilities to demand payment of a security deposit as against future services within 20 days of the filing of your bankruptcy case. These deposits can be anywhere from $250 to $400 on average.

So if you owe the company less than the average security deposit (i.e. less than $250), then just pay it before you file bankruptcy. This should then not trigger the security deposit provision of the bankruptcy code (because you are not seeking to discharge a balance) and allow you to continue on the same account.

If, on the other hand, you owe MORE than the average security deposit (i.e. more than $400), then list the debt on the bankruptcy and pay the security deposit later. You will save money.

If you live in South Jersey and are considering filing bankruptcy, call my office at 856-432-4113 or contact me through this site for a free consultation to discuss your case.

If you are looking for more information about bankruptcy, then download my free book,Top Questions People Ask About Filing Bankruptcy in New Jersey.

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Steven J. Richardson
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Bankruptcy, Collections, Student Loan, DUI and Traffic Court attorney in Woodbury, NJ.