What If I Can't Pay My Utilities?

What to Do if You Fall Behind on Utilities Payments

Like any business, utilities have the right to expect to be paid. If you fail to pay, you can have your utilities shut off. If you promise to catch up on payments, they can be turned on again. But if you fall behind again, they may be shut off for good.

In Memphis, Tennessee, you can lose access to electricity, gas and water just by falling behind on bills from one company: Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW).

I'm Ben Sissman, a lawyer with more than 30 years of experience helping clients deal with debt problems and bankruptcy. If you are deep in debt and are in danger of having your utilities shut off, call me today at 901-730-4958 or contact my office online to schedule a free initial consultation. Remember, it never hurts to call.

Can Bankruptcy Help Me With Utilities?

Yes. However, the bankruptcy court will not discharge the debt you owe to the utility company. Instead, filing for bankruptcy will create an "automatic stay," so that the utility company will be unable to disconnect your utilities. If your utilities have already been disconnected, then we can ask the court to have them reconnect them, but you will have to pay the fee for doing so.

Working with the utility company, we can create a payment plan. Under this plan, you will pay your current utility bills each month along with a portion of your overdue debt until you are completely caught up. Unfortunately, if you ever start to miss payments again, the utility company may shut off service to your home for good. In these cases, there may be nothing a lawyer can do to help.

Helping Clients Put Things in Perspective

Some clients have a debt problem, some have a bankruptcy problem and some have an income problem. If you don't have enough income to pay your utility bills, the truth is you might have to think about making some changes to your daily life. Maybe you just need to weatherize your house — and maybe your house is too big to heat. I will help you evaluate your options to find the best way to move forward.

If you have fallen behind on utility bills, you can schedule a free initial consultation today to talk about your options. Call 901-730-4958 or contact my office online. I usually answer my own phone, and I look forward to talking with you.