Legal Question in Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania

Re: What kind of creditors can be paid when you file bankruptcy?

Short answer -- You can list all debts that you owe including utilities but this does not mean you can eliminate paying utilities indefinitely.

Basically, all debts must be listed including utilities. However, it is customary not to list as debts certain ongoing obligations such as a water bill, phone bill, etc. I advise my clients that if they are current on their utilities we will not list them as debts. Your question suggests that you are several payments behind on some of your utilities. In this case you would definitely list these past due accounts. The bankruptcy filing should allow you to discharge (the bankruptcy term for wipe out) the past due amounts. Remember you must resume making your regular monthly payments especially once the bankruptcy case is concluded. Otherwise the utility company could "turn off the lights". You would also list your landlord but again only if you are behind. I hope this answers your particular situation. If you reside in the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia areas I would be pleased to represent you. ph. (800) 303-0720