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How Long Must You Wait to Re-file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in Missouri or Illinois?

I hope that none of my clients ever have to re-file a Missouri or Illinois Chapter 7 bankruptcy. When a family originally files bankruptcy, I try to give them all the tools they need to rebuild their lives and not fall back into debt; I know that needing protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help, and relief from harassing creditors is a position to which most hope never to return.

Emergencies happen, though, and sometimes an accident can leave you with a pile of medical bills that you can’t get out from under or a job loss makes your credit card debt soar to new heights. Whatever the reason may be, sometimes a re-filing is necessary.

If you’ve tried everything you can to stay afloat yet still find yourself drowning in debt, you can consider re-filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy if 8 years have passed after your prior case. Under the new law, you must now pass the Chapter 7 means test, but most of the other rules remain the same. You must continue to pay on property that you wish to keep but your unsecured debts, like most medical and credit card debt, can be eliminated.

Remember, the bankruptcy laws changed in 2005 and the process for your second bankruptcy won’t necessarily be the same. It is essential that you find an experienced Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy lawyer to help you through this process. Sometimes, filing Missouri or Illinois Chapter 7 for a second time can be more complicated.

You can also regard your first bankruptcy as a learning experience. If your first time filing a Missouri or Illinois Chapter 7 wasn’t all it could have been, look for an experienced and qualified St. Louis, Missouri or Fairview Heights, Illinois bankruptcy attorney who will be able to understand your situation and give you a better experience.

Wondering what you should look for in a Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy attorney? Request a free copy of my Missouri and Illinois bankruptcy book, “Get Out of Debt: Secrets Your Creditors Don’t Want You to Know,” to learn how to pick the best bankruptcy attorney in your area.

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