How Many Years Do You Have to Wait Between Bankruptcy Filings?

Lerner & Rowe Law Group
years between bankruptcy filings

Filing for bankruptcy is a difficult decision, but sometimes it’s the best or only way to get out of a precarious financial situation. Unfortunately, tough times can strike again and a person might not have a choice but to file for bankruptcy again. 

Some people are unaware of the rules regarding multiple bankruptcy filings and might not know how many years between bankruptcy filings are permitted. To help make these matters clear, the bankruptcy attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group have put together this guide.

How Soon Can You File For the Same Type of Bankruptcy?

Whether it’s Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, filing for the same type of bankruptcy has the most straightforward rules. Naturally, there are always exceptions, thorough paperwork preparation is required, and the decision will be at the discretion of the court. Even though these types of filings are the easiest to understand, having a proficient bankruptcy attorney will increase your chances of being approved. 

Here are the timetables to know if you’re considering for filing for the same type of bankruptcy you’ve filed before:

  • Chapter 7 to Chapter 7: Eight years between bankruptcy filings
  • Chapter 13 to Chapter 13: Two years between bankruptcy filings

How Soon Can You File For a Different Type of Bankruptcy?

Moving from one type of bankruptcy to another is more complicated. While the timelines are straightforward, the conditions and exceptions are more complicated. Here are the timetables for filing for different types of bankruptcy.

  • Chapter 7 to Chapter 13: Four years between bankruptcy filings
  • Chapter 13 to Chapter 7: Six years between bankruptcy filings

The latter filing is particularly tricky. If you wish to file for Chapter 7 after you’ve filed for Chapter 13 and you paid 100% of your unsecured debts, then you do not have to wait six years. Also, if 70% of your unsecured debts have been paid off using a plan made in good faith with you using your best possible efforts, you do not have to wait six years. With such subjective criteria, having a skilled bankruptcy lawyer advocate on your behalf is essential.

Contact a Lerner and Rowe Law Group Bankruptcy Attorney

Being familiar with the minimum required years between bankruptcy filings is an important step, but you’ll need more for a successful filing. Lerner and Rowe Law Group’s bankruptcy attorneys have years of experience building successful Arizona bankruptcy cases. 

Let us use our knowledge and skills on your behalf. Our team will treat you with respect and compassion during this difficult process and do everything possible to make sure that your filing is a successful one.

You can contact Lerner and Rowe Law Group 24/7 at 602-667-7777. You can also reach us through the Internet via LiveChat and online form. Be sure to inquire about our affordable payment plans.

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.