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 Utility Services
Public utilities, such as the electric company, cannot refuse or cut off service because you have filed for bankruptcy. However, you do have to pay bills which arise after your bankruptcy is filed. Also, the utility can require a deposit for future service.
Discrimination
An employer or government agency cannot discriminate against you because you have filed for bankruptcy. Also, private entities involved in student loan programs cannot refuse you service based on a bankruptcy filing.
Driver's License
If you've lost your license solely because you couldn't pay court ordered damages caused in an accident, filing bankruptcy should allow you to get your license back.
Co-signers
If someone has co-signed a loan with you and you file for bankruptcy, the co-signer may have to pay your debt. If you file under chapter 13, you may be able to protect your co-signer, depending on the terms of your chapter 13 plan.
Fraud
Trying to defraud the bankruptcy court is a serious offense. Some actions viewed as criminal in the eyes of the law include but are not limited to:
- concealing assets
- destruction of pertinent documents
- false claims, statements, or declarations
****Purposefully entering false information on bankruptcy forms is considered perjury and you can be prosecuted.***
Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA)
BAPCPA, passed in 2005, drastically amended bankruptcy law after a multiple-year debate. While lenders advocated the amendments, consumer advocates, bankruptcy lawyers, and bankruptcy judges disliked the changes. BAPCPA made it so that more people who filed bankruptcy had to repay at least a portion of their debts unless they fell below their state's median income line. Consequently, it became more difficult for individuals to file for bankruptcy under chapter 7 to receive a quick discharge. The new legislation also made it more difficult for people to file bankruptcy multiple times. People can no longer file bankruptcy within eight (8) years of their previous filing. Overall, BAPCPA was designed to minimize abuse of the benefits of the bankruptcy system. Finally, BAPCPA made the personal finance courses a mandatory part of the bankruptcy filing process. | 
