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Can they shut off my power or water if I file bankruptcy?

Utilities and Bankruptcy

If you are delinquent on utility service, the filing of a bankruptcy petition will prevent disconnection of service for 20 days. If you have already been disconnected, the utility must reconnect you. The utility will be able to apply any deposit to past due amounts. If the deposit is not enough to cover the arrearage, the balance of the past due amount will be discharged in Chapter 7 or included in the payment plan as unsecured debt in a chapter 13.

To continue service beyond the date 20 days after filing, an agreement providing "adequate assurance" of future payment will have to be made with the utility. Restoring the deposit to the pre-filing amount or submitting as deposit an amount equal to two months average service is common.

If you are not delinquent on utility service, the utility cannot disconnect your service or demand a greater deposit.

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At Holland Law we focus on Consumer Bankruptcy and Debt Defense. We proudly serve Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties and expanding to serve all of Central and South Florida, from coast-to-coast. We offer free phone or in-office consultations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte and across the Central and South Florida region. Contact us through the form on this page or call us at (941) 306-3601 to speak with an experienced bankruptcy and debt defense attorney today. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

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