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"How Often Can You File Bankruptcy" Discussion

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Professional Q&As for "How Often Can You File Bankruptcy"

Upsolve Community Member
2021-12-27

I filed BK more than 15-20 years ago will this be an issue?

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Community Replies:

Upsolve Community Member
I filed 12 years ago. I’m worried. 

Upsolve Community Member
Hello Laura, This is a good question. You can file more than one bankruptcy in a lifetime. How many times depends on how long it's been since your last bankruptcy case and what type of bankruptcy you filed. Here is an Upsolve article on this topic. https://upsolve.org/learn/how-often-can-you-file-bankruptcy/

Upsolve Community Member
Generally, no! It's possible to file more than once- Erin shared a great article about how often you can file

Upsolve Community Member
2022-01-20

flied in 2014 can i file now

4 Reactions

Community Replies:

Upsolve Community Member
Sheila, thanks so much for asking! It depends on exactly when you filed- generally speaking, if you originally filed Chapter 7 and plan to file Chapter 7 again, the rule is 8 years from the day you initially filed 

Upsolve Community Member
This article explains this further! https://upsolve.org/learn/how-often-can-you-file-bankruptcy/ 

Upsolve Community Member
Hi Sheila! You might also be interested in the article https://upsolve.org/learn/file-bankruptcy-twice/. Let us know if you have any more questions and we'll do our best to help! 

Upsolve Community Member
2021-11-19

I filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy on 2/13/2013 and in 11/1/2021. is 2nd time filing will be valid?

4 Reactions

Community Replies:

Upsolve Community Member
It's okay to file multiple times, but there's rules on how often you can file. https://upsolve.org/learn/how-often-can-you-file-bankruptcy/

Upsolve Community Member
How has the new case been going so far? Your trustee and the court will be in contact with you- and let you know if they think there's a concern. 

Upsolve Community Member
I got a meeting with the trustee and creditors setup and it will be through the phone not in person

Upsolve Community Member
Sounds like you're right on track... Check out https://upsolve.org/learn/mock-341-meeting/ to see what to expect! 

Upsolve Community Member
2022-01-17

I started a bankruptcy on my own in 2018. I got sick and could not respond to the requests to attend court. It was closed then by the courts. Can I list now as "did not file for bankruptcy in the past 8 years."

4 Reactions

Community Replies:

Upsolve Community Member
The key words are "file for bankruptcy." If it's currently 2022 and you filed for bankruptcy in 2018, that's within the last eight years. You might find the article https://upsolve.org/learn/how-often-can-you-file-bankruptcy/ helpful. 

Upsolve Community Member
I found the right answer, thanks for your input.  Yes I did need to list it and the software pulled up all the info about my previous closed bankruptcy.  Thanks Jacqueline.  

Upsolve Community Member
Hey! Thanks for your reply, Carol, because I didn't know that the software would pull up your history. I didn't answer because I don't know enough about the Upsolve software and if you marked "Yes" it would simply disqualify you from using Upsolve on this one. :-)

Upsolve Community Member
Hope that all helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions! 

Upsolve Community Member
Sounds like you did file in the last 8 years but didn't get a discharge. The case you filed still needs to be listed on the forms. 

Upsolve Community Member
2022-01-14

I've just gotten my Chapter 7 discharge. But while I was waiting the months for that, I accrued new rent and car payment debt. Can I now Chapter 13 that?

3 Reactions

Community Replies:

Upsolve Community Member
You're not eligible for a discharge at this time. You can utilize the Chapter 13 process to restructure your debt so you can pay it off over 3 - 5 years, which may make it more manageable to do so. 

Upsolve Community Member
Oh - and you can never discharge debts that you accrue intending to eliminate them via bankruptcy. 

Upsolve Community Member
To Andrea's point above, educate yourself here, William. https://upsolve.org/learn/what-is-bankruptcy-fraud/ --- and here is an article on how often you can file bankruptcy: https://upsolve.org/learn/file-bankruptcy-twice/ 


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