economy
March 10, 2026
What to know about bankruptcy waiting periods before filing this March
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TL;DR
- Bankruptcy laws impose waiting periods between filings, affecting eligibility and debt discharge.
- Waiting periods depend on the type of bankruptcy previously filed (Chapter 7 or Chapter 13) and the intended future filing.
- Filing too soon after a previous bankruptcy may prevent debt discharge, even if a new case is allowed.
- Waiting periods are measured from the previous bankruptcy's filing date, not its discharge or completion date.
- Common filing combinations have specific waiting periods: Chapter 7 to Chapter 7 (8 years), Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 (4 years), Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 (6 years), Chapter 13 to Chapter 13 (2 years).
- Other requirements like credit counseling and potential court scrutiny for repeat filers also apply.
- Consulting with a bankruptcy attorney or debt relief professional is often recommended before filing.
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