Can You File for Bankruptcy Multiple Times?
Yes. You can file for bankruptcy multiple times in South Carolina. However, strict waiting periods and eligibility rules will apply. Families in Florence usually face repeated financial hardship from medical debt, job loss, or small business struggles. Filing for bankruptcy gives them a second chance at relief. The challenge is timing your filing correctly and choosing the right chapter to avoid delayed or denied protections.
If you’ve accrued more debt after a prior bankruptcy case, our Florence bankruptcy lawyers at Reed Law Firm can help you map the fastest path back to financial relief.
Waiting Periods That Control Repeat Bankruptcy Filings in Florence
Federal bankruptcy law sets mandatory waiting periods between discharges. These timelines determine when you can receive another discharge:
- A second Chapter 7 discharge generally requires waiting eight years from the date of the prior Chapter 7 filing.
- A Chapter 13 after a Chapter 7 typically requires a four-year waiting period for a discharge.
- A Chapter 7 after a Chapter 13 usually requires six years, though shorter timelines may apply if creditors were paid a certain percentage.
- A second Chapter 13 discharge usually requires two years from date of filing the first case
These rules come from the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, and courts strictly enforce them. Filing too early can result in a dismissal of your case or loss of discharge eligibility.
What Changes With a Second Bankruptcy Filing?
Repeat filings receive closer scrutiny to prevent abuse of the system. Trustees review income, expenses, and asset transfers carefully. Likewise, courts examine whether circumstances genuinely changed. Automatic stay protection can also be limited if multiple cases were dismissed within a year. In those situations, the stay may last only 30 days or not arise at all unless the court extends it. That makes preparation critical.
How Often Do Bankruptcy Filings Happen?
Repeat filings are not unusual because financial setbacks don’t always resolve in one cycle. Recent federal court data show that bankruptcy filings in the United States have been rising after several years of decline. For example, total bankruptcy petitions increased 10.6 percent in the 12 months ending September 30, 2025, compared with the previous year, reflecting a continued upward trend in filings.
In Florence and surrounding counties, repeat filings typically follow:
- Medical emergencies after a prior discharge
- Divorce or income loss
- Business closures
- Rising housing and living costs
Thankfully, the law recognizes that life doesn’t always stabilize on the first try. For instance:
- A nurse at McLeod Health may have cleared credit card debt through Chapter 7, then faced new medical bills after an injury.
- A restaurant owner near downtown Florence may have reorganized debt through Chapter 13, then lost revenue during economic downturns.
- A family in Lake City may have discharged unsecured debt, then faced foreclosure after a job relocation.
Each situation requires a different strategy the second time around. Yours will too.
How a Bankruptcy Lawyer in Florence Can Help With Your Second Bankruptcy Filing
Repeat filings involve more documentation, stricter timelines, and fewer procedural errors tolerated. A missed deadline or incorrect chapter choice can delay relief when creditors are already escalating.
A Florence bankruptcy attorney can evaluate prior filings, calculate waiting periods, and determine the fastest route back to protection. They’ll prepare filings to meet local court standards, coordinate trustee communications, and move quickly when garnishments or lawsuits begin.
For repeat cases, your attorney can likewise assess whether Chapter 13 provides immediate stay protection when Chapter 7 is not yet available. That flexibility usually keeps homes, vehicles, and paychecks protected while long-term relief is being built.
Talk to Our Bankruptcy Attorneys in Florence
If you’re considering filing for bankruptcy again, contact Reed Law Firm online to explore your options in a confidential consultation with our Florence bankruptcy lawyers.
