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How Many Times Can You File Bankruptcy? What the Law Allows
How Many Times Can You File Bankruptcy and Still Get Relief How many times can you file bankruptcy is a
June 2, 2025
How Many Times Can You File Bankruptcy? What the Law Allows
How Many Times Can You File Bankruptcy and Still Get Relief
How many times can you file bankruptcy is a question many people ask when they find themselves overwhelmed by debt more than once. While the U.S. Bankruptcy Code does not limit the number of times you can file, there are strict rules on how often you can receive a discharge of your debts.
In this article, we’ll explain how many times you can file for bankruptcy, the waiting periods between cases, and what to expect if you need to file again.
Bankruptcy Filing Limits: What the Law Allows
There is no lifetime limit to how many times you can file bankruptcy. However, the number of times you can receive a discharge—meaning the court wipes out your debt—is restricted by waiting periods between filings.
Filing Chapter 7 Multiple Times
- You must wait 8 years between Chapter 7 filings to receive a discharge.
- If you file sooner, your case may proceed, but your debts won’t be discharged.
Filing Chapter 13 Multiple Times
- The waiting period between Chapter 13 discharges is only 2 years.
- This means you can technically file again fairly quickly if needed.
Chapter 7 After Chapter 13
- If you previously filed Chapter 13, you must wait 6 years before you can get a Chapter 7 discharge—unless you paid off at least 70% of your unsecured debt in good faith.
Chapter 13 After Chapter 7
- After a Chapter 7 discharge, you can file Chapter 13 after just 4 years to create a payment plan and protect your property, though you won’t get another discharge right away.
Why Multiple Bankruptcies Happen
If you’re wondering how many times you can file bankruptcy, you may be in a cycle of financial hardship. While the system allows multiple filings, frequent bankruptcy can come with increased scrutiny.
Common reasons for multiple filings include:
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Divorce or loss of household income
- Job loss or underemployment
- Natural disasters or emergencies
Filing again may be necessary, but courts will review your case carefully if you’ve filed more than once in a short timeframe.
What Happens If You File Too Soon?
You can file again before the waiting period ends, but you won’t receive a discharge. That means:
- You’ll still owe your existing debts
- You may only get temporary relief from creditors
- You risk having your case dismissed
In some cases, people file Chapter 13 after Chapter 7 to stop foreclosure or repossession, even without seeking discharge. This is sometimes called a Chapter 20 strategy and can be helpful in the right situation.
How Many Times Can You File Bankruptcy and Still Protect Yourself?
Filing multiple bankruptcies isn’t ideal, but it’s not illegal. As long as you follow the waiting periods and meet eligibility requirements, you can file again when necessary. However, if you abuse the system or file too frequently, the court may:
- Dismiss your case with prejudice (blocking refiling for a period)
- Refuse to impose the automatic stay, which protects you from creditors
- Require you to provide extra documentation or court appearances
Get Help Understanding How Many Times You Can File Bankruptcy
Still unsure how many times you can file bankruptcy based on your past cases? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I file for bankruptcy more than once in my life?
Yes. There is no limit to how many times you can file, but waiting periods apply between discharges.
2. What if I filed Chapter 7 five years ago—can I file again?
You can file, but you won’t be eligible for another Chapter 7 discharge until 8 years after your previous filing date.
3. Can the court deny my bankruptcy if I’ve filed before?
Yes. The court may deny or delay your case if you filed too recently or failed to complete previous obligations.
4. Will filing multiple times hurt my credit permanently?
Each filing stays on your credit report for 7–10 years, but you can rebuild credit over time with the right strategies.
5. Is there a limit to how many Chapter 13 cases I can file?
There’s no legal limit, but repeated filings may face court review or lack of automatic stay protection.
Key Takeaways
- How many times can you file bankruptcy depends on the discharge rules, not the total filings.
- Chapter 7 has an 8-year wait; Chapter 13 has a 2-year wait between discharges.
- You can file again before the wait ends, but you won’t receive a discharge.
- Filing too often can lead to court scrutiny or dismissal.
- Always speak with a bankruptcy attorney before filing again to understand your rights.
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