Who Can’t File for Bankruptcy?
You might be barred from filing for bankruptcy if:
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Your previous bankruptcy case was dismissed in the last 180 days under certain conditions
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You committed fraud, like hiding assets or lying on your paperwork
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You’ve already received a bankruptcy discharge too recently
Do You Qualify?
Bankruptcy can help you get a fresh financial start, but not everyone qualifies. The two most common types are:
Chapter 7
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You must pass a “means test,” which looks at your income, expenses, and debts.
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If your income is too high, you can’t file under Chapter 7.
Chapter 13
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No means test required.
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You must have up-to-date tax filings and enough income to make monthly payments.
Other Considerations:
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Dismissed Case: If your bankruptcy was dismissed in the past 180 days, you might have to wait to file again.
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Fraud: Trying to deceive the court—like hiding assets or racking up luxury debt before filing—can get your case denied.
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Recent Discharge: You have to wait a certain number of years after a previous bankruptcy before filing again.
Debts You Usually Can’t Eliminate in Bankruptcy
Even if you qualify, not all debts can be wiped out:
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Student Loans: Hard to discharge unless you can prove paying them would cause extreme hardship.
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Alimony and Child Support: These debts always remain.
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Taxes: Most tax debts aren’t discharged, though some older income taxes might be.
📞 Call me today at (813) 222-8210 for a free consultation. Let’s find out if Chapter 7 bankruptcy is your path to financial relief.
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a licensed bankruptcy attorney to determine your bankruptcy eligibility options.