Required paperwork to file. Is my list common? Utility Bills?

[masscredit]

Something I've seen on a number of attorney websites-

Bankruptcy law allows the utility company to require you to submit a security deposit or other assurance of payment as a condition for providing future, post-bankruptcy utility services to you.  If you do not submit the deposit, then the utility company may terminate your utility services.  The amount of the deposit varies, but it is usually about double your average monthly utility bill.  If you cannot afford the deposit sought by the utility company, you can file a motion with the Court and ask the Court to reduce the deposit amount.

Anyone have experience with having to provide a deposit?

[masscredit]

Another question, it's been mentioned that I should close the two cards that have a zero balance before I file. Is there any benefit to doing this over just letting them be closed after they receive notice? One is with my main bank (DCU) which I want to maintain a good relationship with.  I'll be looking to them for a secured card and loan after my discharge. 

[CH-7-Mission-Accomplished]

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@masscredit wrote:

Another question, it's been mentioned that I should close the two cards that have a zero balance before I file. Is there any benefit to doing this over just letting them be closed after they receive notice? One is with my main bank (DCU) which I want to maintain a good relationship with.  I'll be looking to them for a secured card and loan after my discharge. 

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There is a huge benefit.  Your attorney is required to send out your BK notice to every creditor listed on your three credit reports, even those with a zero balance.   And then those lenders will update your account to show that they were included in the BK (even though they were owed nothing) and will then decline you for years due to problems with your past relationship with them.   My attorney had me close everything that was at a zero balance and all of those accounts updated to show "closed at consumer's request."   Close anything with a zero balance.

[madmann26]

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@masscredit wrote:

Another question, it's been mentioned that I should close the two cards that have a zero balance before I file. Is there any benefit to doing this over just letting them be closed after they receive notice? One is with my main bank (DCU) which I want to maintain a good relationship with.  I'll be looking to them for a secured card and loan after my discharge. 

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The only thing I could see being a benefit is the notation on the account stating "Account closed by consumer" vs "Account closed by credit grantor" or even "Account closed - bankruptcy".