Can I File Missouri or Illinois Bankruptcy Again?

by James R. Brown questions@castlelaw.net

President and Principal Attorney at Castle Law Office

You may be able to file Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy again, but it is never a good idea to rely on bankruptcy again and again as an always present debt solution. I’m not telling you that bankruptcy is bad. Bankruptcy is a great tool that helps people get protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help, relief from harassing creditors, and ultimately eliminate debts. What I am saying is that bankruptcy should be used wisely and not treated as a quick fix to a problem that may lie with lifestyle decisions. The circumstances that lead many people to file bankruptcy are not pleasant ones. No one wants to revisit a time when they were perhaps living with massive amounts of debt or in fear of losing something valuable to them.

So, make it your goal to only file once. How can you do that? Well, you can start by picking a great St. Louis bankruptcy attorney. You are probably thinking, “James, I know a great bankruptcy attorney can help me have a successful case but even the best bankruptcy attorney has no control over life after my case has completed, right?” And you’re right. Once you’ve gotten a fresh start, it is up to you to make the most of it. However, a great St. Louis bankruptcy attorney could help to educate you with the right information before you jump off into the great unknown.

See if the Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy lawyer you choose has articles, blogs, or even publications about life after bankruptcy, getting back on your feet, and rebuilding your credit. It could make the difference between having to file again or not.

Of course, it may be possible that somewhere down the road you will need to file again. Life happens so it is important that you educate yourself on how a prior bankruptcy can affect your ability to file again. Of course, there are so many different scenarios that can impact what type of bankruptcy you can file in the future and what type of protection you will receive from filing. For example, if you have filed and received a discharge in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the past 8 years, you will not be able to use another Chapter 7 bankruptcy to eliminate debt until 8 years have passed. What has happened in any previous Chapter 13 case can also impact what benefits you may receive from filing a second bankruptcy.

Luckily, these are the type of questions for which a free consultation was created. If you are thinking about filing Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy again, you’d probably be better off just talking to an attorney about it.

Have more questions about the in’s and out’s of Missouri and Illinois bankruptcy? Request a free copy of my Illinois and Missouri bankruptcy book, “Get Out of Debt: Secrets Your Creditors Don’t Want You to Know.”

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Do you know how filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help improve your financial situation? You have probably heard many myths about bankruptcy, such as "you will lose everything." That is definitely not the case as long as you retain the services of an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Are you worried you will lose the home or vehicle you've worked so hard for because of foreclosure or repossession? A chapter 13 may just be the answer you are looking for to help you quickly save your home or vehicle from being taken.

Foreclosure

Millions of Americans continue to lose their homes due to foreclosure. If your family is facing foreclosure in St. Louis and risks living on the street, contact our Missouri bankruptcy law firm today. We can help!

Credit Card Debt

Struggling to pay credit card bills? Not answering the phone because you're tired of hearing from bill collectors? Need options? Contact St. Louis attorney Jim Brown to learn how filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Missouri may be able to help. We can stop the harassing phone calls from creditors today.

Medical Bills

Unexpected medical bills can ruin your financial future. If you’ve been suffering under the stress of medical debt, there are options for relief that can keep your family at home without losing everything. Our St. Louis bankruptcy law firm has helped numerous people get rid of debt from medical bills.

Job Loss

Have your hours been cut back because business has been slow or, even worse, have you lost your job? Don’t know how you’re going to pay your bills? Keep a roof over your head? We can help you get your life back. Contact a St. Louis job loss lawyer at Castle Law Office today to learn how filing bankruptcy can help you after loss of employment.

Repossession

If you haven’t been able to make car payments due to financial reasons beyond your control, we can stop the Repo Man and help you keep your car. Call us today for a free consultation.

Garnishment

Wage garnishment can make tough times even worse. If you are being affected by garnishments and cannot provide for your family, call us today. We can show you how to get your life back on track.

Personal Injury

Auto Accidents

A car crash can be a devastating experience for everyone involved. The injuries sustained may require a lifetime of medical treatment.

Truck Accidents

Fatigue is among the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. However, truck drivers are not the sole cause of wrecks.

Motorcycle Accidents

80% of riders involved in a Missouri motorcycle accident are either injured or killed. Those numbers are shocking.

Workplace Injuries

When you are injured in a workplace accident, one of the challenges you face is how to provide for your family.

Wrongful Death

A wrongful death suit may be filed when a person dies as the result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional act.

Pedestrian Accidents

Substantial injuries resulting from Missouri pedestrian accidents can lead to long term physical and mental effects for that victim.