Let’s start with the basics. There’s no legal limit on how many times you can file for bankruptcy, but there are rules on how long you must wait before filing.

Here’s what you need to know about timing:

• If you filed Chapter 7 and want to file Chapter 7 again, you’ll need to wait 8 years between filing dates.
• If you filed Chapter 7 and now want to file Chapter 13, the wait is 4 years.
• If you filed Chapter 13 and now want to file Chapter 7, the wait is 6 years (unless you paid off your debts in full or made a good-faith effort to do so).
• If you’re filing Chapter 13 again after a previous Chapter 13, you’ll need to wait 2 years.

These rules help prevent people from using bankruptcy to dodge creditors over and over again. But as long as you’re filing in good faith and not abusing the system, the courts generally allow multiple filings over a lifetime.

What’s the Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

If you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy again, this might be a good time to revisit your options. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the two most common types of personal bankruptcy, and while both offer relief, they work in very different ways. The right choice for you will depend on your income, what you own, and what you’re hoping to achieve.

Chapter 7 is sometimes called liquidation bankruptcy. In this type of filing, most unsecured debts like credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills are wiped out entirely. You may have to give up some nonessential property to pay creditors, but most people keep everything they own thanks to exemptions. It’s fast, often completed in under six months, and is usually the best choice if you have limited income and few assets.

Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a repayment plan. You keep all your property and agree to pay back some or all of your debt over three to five years. The amount you pay is based on your income and what you can afford. At the end of the repayment period, any remaining eligible debt is discharged.

One of the biggest differences is that Chapter 13 allows you to catch up on things like mortgage arrears or car payments. It’s a useful option for people who earn too much to qualify for Chapter 7 or who are trying to protect assets that would be at risk in a Chapter 7 case.

Press Play: The Difference Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Signs It Might Be Time to File Again

You don’t want to file again unless it’s necessary, but there are times when a second filing might make sense. And if you’ve found yourself googling how many times can you file bankruptcy, chances are something’s shifted in your financial world.

Here are a few signs it may be time to take another serious look at your options:

• You’ve fallen behind on mortgage or car payments and are at risk of losing property
• You’ve been hit with unexpected medical bills or job loss
• Creditors are threatening lawsuits or garnishment
• Your previous case helped temporarily, but your financial situation has changed

A second filing doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re facing reality and taking steps to protect your future.

Common Myths About Multiple Bankruptcies

There’s a lot of bad information out there about filing for bankruptcy more than once. Let’s clear up a few myths:

Myth: You can only file once in a lifetime.
Truth: There’s no limit to how many times you can file, only limits on how often you must wait between filing.

Myth: The court will automatically deny you if you file more than once.
Truth: As long as you follow the rules and file in good faith, repeat filings are allowed.

Myth: Filing again will destroy your credit forever.
Truth: Bankruptcy affects your credit, but so does unpaid debt. Rebuilding after a second filing is still very possible.

Press Play: Will Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit Forever?

How to Use Bankruptcy as a Reset So You Never Have to File Again

Filing for bankruptcy can bring real relief, but it’s also a wake-up call. If you want to avoid filing again in the future, treat this moment as a fresh start, and build smarter financial habits moving forward.

1. Start by creating a realistic budget that reflects your actual spending. Include savings as a fixed part of that budget, even if it’s just a small amount at first. Over time, your emergency fund can help you avoid future debt if something unexpected happens.

2. And be sure to build a savings buffer. Even a few hundred dollars can keep you from relying on credit in a pinch

3. Continue your education. Here’s the truth: most people haven’t had a great financial education. We don’t learn how credit really works in school. Nobody pulls us aside to explain compound interest, minimum payments, or how to build an emergency fund. And once we enter the workforce, we’re expected to figure it all out while juggling rent, bills, and life.

If you’ve made mistakes, it’s not because you’re careless. It’s because you were never given the tools in the first place. But you can change that now. Start with the basics. Even setting aside 20 minutes a week to watch a video, read an article, or listen to a podcast can make a huge difference. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel in the decisions you make moving forward. And confidence is a big part of staying out of debt for good.