There are different timelines depending on which chapter of bankruptcy you previously filed, also the timelines run from the filing dates, not the discharge date. Here are the rules:

-Chapter 7 to Chapter 7 = eight years (727(a)(8))

-Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 = six years (727(a)(9))

-Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 = eight years (727(a)(8))

-Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 = 4 years (1328(f)(1))

-Chapter 11 to Chapter 13 = 4 years (1328(f)(1))

-Chapter 13 to Chapter 13 = 2 years (1328(f)(2))

The timelines listed above relate to discharged first bankruptcies, this post is not about refilling a case that was dismissed.

As a side note, Deuteronomy 15:1 commands that debt be forgiven every seven years.

By Matt Berkus

There are three  types of bankruptcy cases that a consumer would be interested in:

• Chapter 7 is know as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation.” Debtors are provided certain cash limits on assets called “exemptions,” .  If a client is over these limits, the Debtor often has an opportunity to purchase back this property for the cash value over the exemption amount, from the Trustee.
• Chapter 11, known as “reorganization,” is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very high and they are unable to file a Chapter 13 or 7.
• Chapter 13  requires a debtor to Chapter 13 Plan to repay a portion of certain debt,  from what is lets in their monthly household budget, after expenses.  This is the chapter that allows you to strip a mortgage from your home or cram a car to it’s value, for repayment.

Most people filing bankruptcy will want to file under  Chapter 7.   Either type of case may be filed individually or by a married couple filing jointly.