Your Bankruptcy Fresh Start

Practical guide to life after bankruptcy discharge

You Will Never Get Credit Again

False. Credit card offers arrive within weeks of discharge. Auto loans available in 1-2 years. FHA mortgages after 2 years (Chapter 7) or 1 year (Chapter 13).

Everyone Will Know

Public record, but virtually nobody checks. Employers rarely search. Neighbors and friends will not find out unless you tell them.

You Will Lose Everything

Most Chapter 7 filers keep all property. Exemptions protect your home, vehicle, retirement accounts, household goods. Most consumer cases are "no-asset" cases.

You Can Only File Once

You can file multiple times with waiting periods between discharges. Check your eligibility at 1328f.com.

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Related Resources

The Discharge Injunction -- How Section 524 permanently bars creditor collection after discharge

Chapter 7 Discharge Bar -- Eight-year bar between Chapter 7 discharges under Section 727(a)(8)

Hardship Discharge -- Section 1328(b) discharge when you cannot complete your plan

PACER cases made free through RECAP: 91 of 37.9 million

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Federal Rules Committee

This research supports Suggestion 26-BK-3 to the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules

Proposing automated Section 1328(f) discharge bar screening in federal bankruptcy courts