Yes, you can. But there are a few limitations that need to be observed. The idea behind the filing for bankruptcy is the ability to get a “fresh start / clean slate”. This is an extraordinary thing if you think about it: the government is giving you the chance to break free from the oppressive load of debt that you are now carrying around with you. A chance to start over, to begin to rebuild. But the government also wants to make sure there are some safeguards in place.
For instance, the rules state that if you file a St. Louis Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then you have to wait a full eight years before you become eligible again. Once those eight years have passed, you can file another Missouri Chapter 7. With a St. Louis Chapter 13 bankruptcy, things are a little bit different. This chapter of the code does not have time limitations between filings. But there are a few rules nonetheless. For example, if you filed a Chapter 7 in 2010, the only thing you could file now would be a Missouri Chapter 13. But because the filing of the Chapter 13 would be so close in time to the Chapter 7, you would not be eligible for a discharge of your unsecured debt (like credit cards and medical bills). But if you filed your Chapter 13 in 2015 (remember, you’d still be within the eight year time limitation because of having filed your Chapter 7 in 2010), then you would be eligible for a discharge because it would be greater than five years since the Chapter 7 was filed.
It gets a little confusing, but basic format is pretty straightforward: you can only file a Chapter 7 every eight years; you can file multiple Chapter 13s, but receiving an actual discharge in this chapter of bankruptcy depends on how close in time you filed your last Chapter 7.
The St. Louis bankruptcy attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company have been making sure people get the best legal advice for years. Our staff is prepared to help guide you through the bankruptcy process, and make sure that you are put on the road towards financial freedom.