Can You File for Bankruptcy More Than Once in Indiana?

You thought bankruptcy would be your fresh start, but life had other plans. Job loss, medical bills, divorce, or economic setbacks beyond your control have left you drowning in debt again. The weight feels heavier this time because you wonder: Can you even file for bankruptcy more than once in Indiana?

The answer is yes, you can file for bankruptcy more than once in Indiana, but there are specific rules and waiting periods to be aware of. At Whitten & Whitten, our team has helped numerous Northwest Indiana residents seek financial relief on multiple occasions. There’s no shame in seeking help when you need it most; let’s look at what it takes to file for bankruptcy again.

Why Would Someone File for Bankruptcy More Than Once?

Financial recovery isn’t always a straight line. Even after completing bankruptcy, unexpected circumstances can derail your progress. Common reasons people file multiple times include:

• Sudden job loss or reduced income
• Overwhelming medical expenses from illness or accidents  
• Divorce settlements that create new financial obligations
• Economic downturns affecting business or employment
• Rising costs of living that outpace income growth
• Family emergencies requiring significant expenses

Nearly 46% of individuals who declare bankruptcy have previously filed for it within the past 30 years. These setbacks don’t reflect personal failure; they reflect the unpredictable nature of life. The bankruptcy system acknowledges this reality and offers options for individuals who genuinely require assistance more than once.

Can You Legally File More Than Once?

There’s no limit to how many times you can file for bankruptcy in Indiana. However, what matters more is your eligibility for a discharge—the court order that eliminates your debts.

The key factors determining your eligibility include:

• How much time has passed since your last bankruptcy filing
• What type of bankruptcy did you file previously  
• Whether you received a discharge in your previous case

If a previous case was dismissed within 180 days for not following court orders or failing to appear in court, you’ll need to wait before filing again.

Waiting Periods After a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

If you received a Chapter 7 discharge in your previous case, you must wait:

• 8 years to file Chapter 7 again and receive another discharge
• 4 years to file Chapter 13 and be eligible for discharge

Important note: The waiting period starts from your previous case’s filing date, not the discharge date.

Waiting Periods After a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

If you completed a Chapter 13 repayment plan and received a discharge, the waiting periods are:

• 6 years to file Chapter 7 (unless you repaid 70% or more of your unsecured debts)
• 2 years to file another Chapter 13

The shorter waiting period for repeat Chapter 13 filings recognizes that people may need structured repayment plans multiple times.

What If You Didn’t Get a Discharge?

If your previous bankruptcy case was dismissed or you didn’t receive a discharge, you may be eligible to file again much sooner, sometimes immediately. However, it’s crucial to understand why your previous case failed so you can avoid the same pitfalls.

Working with an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help identify what went wrong and develop a strategy for success in your new case.

Things to Consider Before Filing Again

Before moving forward with another bankruptcy filing, honestly assess whether your situation has changed enough to make it worthwhile:

• Has your income situation improved or worsened since your last filing?
• Are creditors actively pursuing collection actions against you?
• Has your debt load become truly unmanageable again?
• Do you have a realistic plan to avoid future financial difficulties?

A bankruptcy attorney can thoroughly evaluate your financial circumstances and help determine whether filing again is the right choice for you.

You Deserve a Path Forward

If you’re facing financial difficulties again after previously filing for bankruptcy, don’t be too hard on yourself. Our team at Whitten & Whitten has helped hundreds of people in Northwest Indiana regain control of their finances, even when they’ve needed help more than once. We understand that financial struggles don’t define you, and we’re here to listen without judgment as we explore your options.

If you’re falling into debt again, don’t wait until your situation becomes desperate. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your next steps toward financial freedom.