How Many Times Can I File for Bankruptcy? Can I File for Bankruptcy Two or More Times?

When Will I Be Able to Get a Second Bankruptcy Discharge if I Already Eliminated Debt Under Chapter 7? If you were previously granted a bankruptcy discharge, a requisite amount of time must elapse before you can receive a second discharge to eliminate your new debts. This fact is generally true no matter the Chapter through which you originally filed for bankruptcy. However, the Chapter of the initial bankruptcy combined with the Chapter for the second bankruptcy will affect the amount of time you have to wait to file a subsequent case. For instance, if you have been previously granted a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge, certain time limits will apply. If you received a discharge under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the past and wish to receive a second discharge under the same Chapter, you will need to wait a minimum of eight years. If you would prefer to engage in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy in order to protect property or assets, or you have significant amounts of secured debt, you will need to wait a minimum of four years from the initial discharge for your subsequent bankruptcy proceeding.

When Will I Be Able to Get a Second Bankruptcy Discharge if I Already Eliminated Debt Under Chapter 13? For individuals who first proceeded through a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, waiting periods also typically apply. However, the wait to file a subsequent bankruptcy after an initial filing is generally less than one would experience if the initial filing was under Chapter 7. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, a person who initially filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy may be able to avoid the waiting period. In order for this to occur, (s)he must have satisfied all debts owed to secured creditors or 70% of all obligations in the previous Chapter 13 proceeding. If the individual is not entitled to an exception to the waiting periods, (s)he will need to make sure that the timing is right for the second or subsequent bankruptcy filing. To file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case after receiving a previous Chapter 13 discharge, one will typically need to wait six years from the initial discharge. If an individual wants to file a subsequent Chapter 13 bankruptcy after his or her initial discharge, the waiting period is two years.

Work with a Sacramento Bankruptcy Lawyer in California Regardless of whether this is your first foray into bankruptcy or if you have gone through a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding previously, the Sacramento Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorneys of The Bankruptcy Group can help. We have law offices conveniently located in Roseville and Folsom, California just minutes from Sacramento and its courthouses. To schedule a confidential and free initial bankruptcy consultation, call or contact us online today.