Expert: Terry Leeders - 10/29/2007

Question
My wife and I are considering filing Ch 13 BK on about $80,000 unsecured credit card debt.  We have some cards that have a zero balance (gas card, Dpt store cards, etc).  Do we have to include those when/if we file?  Would they be automatically closed?  Thanks for any information you may be able to provide.

Answer
Hi James,
If the accounts have a zero balance, they do not need to be listed. However, they will be cancelled by the creditor when you file, as you are not permitted to get credit during the case without prior approval from the court, so you will not be able to use them.