How Many Times Can You File for Bankruptcy in Arizona?

Money problems can snowball fast, and it can feel like there is no way out. If you live in Mesa, Phoenix, or Tucson, Yusufov Law Firm helps people and small businesses find real debt relief under the law. In this article, we explain how often you can file for bankruptcy in Arizona, how the waiting rules work, and what to watch out for if you have filed before. This resource is for education only, not legal advice, and you should talk with an attorney about your own situation.

Is There a Limit to Bankruptcy Filings in Arizona?

A common myth says you can only file one time. That is not true. There is no lifetime cap on the number of cases you can file.

What matters is whether you want a new discharge. Federal rules set waiting periods between cases if you want your debts wiped again. These rules help prevent repeat filings that misuse the system and protect those who truly need help.

If timing is an issue for you, the next section breaks down the waiting periods and why they differ by chapter.

Waiting Periods Between Bankruptcy Filings in Arizona

Waiting periods only apply if you want a discharge in the new case. The length depends on your prior chapter and the chapter you plan to file next. The clock starts on the date you filed the last case, not the date you received the discharge.

The table below summarizes the common combinations and timing rules.

Previous Chapter	New Chapter	Waiting Period	Notes
Chapter 7	Chapter 7	8 years	Longest wait because Chapter 7 wipes out most debts quickly.
Chapter 7	Chapter 13	4 years	You can file sooner, but you are required to do a payment plan.
Chapter 13	Chapter 7	6 years	This waiting period is waived if, in Chapter 13, you paid 100% of unsecured debts, or at least 70% and was your best effort.
Chapter 13	Chapter 13	2 years	Less common, sometimes used for ongoing obligations like taxes.

 

Let’s look a bit closer at each pairing so you can match your timeline with the rules.

Chapter 7 to Chapter 7

If you received a Chapter 7 discharge before, you must wait 8 years from the prior filing date to file a new Chapter 7 and receive another discharge. This is the longest wait because Chapter 7 delivers quick relief on most unsecured debts. Many people use this chapter after a job loss, medical bills, or a similar shock.

Filing earlier is possible, but it would not give you a discharge. Most filers prefer to wait so the second case actually clears debt.

Chapter 7 to Chapter 13

Moving from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 has a shorter waiting rule for a new discharge, 4 years from the prior Chapter 7 filing date. You can still file Chapter 13 sooner if your goal is to catch up on payments or protect property, but the case would finish without a discharge.

Some people use this path to handle debts that did not go away in Chapter 7, like recent income taxes. A plan can help spread payments and stop aggressive collection while you pay.

Chapter 13 to Chapter 7

If your earlier case was Chapter 13, the normal wait for a Chapter 7 discharge is 6 years from the date you filed the Chapter 13. There is an exception. You can file Chapter 7 sooner if you paid 100% of unsecured claims in the Chapter 13, or at least 70% with a good faith effort.

This exception rewards those who put in strong payments during the plan. It can be helpful if a new hardship makes a fresh start necessary.

Chapter 13 to Chapter 13

Back-to-back Chapter 13 cases require at least 2 years between filing dates to receive a discharge in the second case. Because most plans last 3 to 5 years, this situation is less common.

It can still make sense for ongoing needs, like dealing with tax debt that keeps rolling in each year. The plan sets steady payments and stops collection as long as you stay current.

Timing is only one factor. The next section covers what happens if filings are close together or if a case is dismissed.

Consequences of Filing Bankruptcy Multiple Times

Filing again too soon can limit protections and bring added scrutiny. Courts look at timing, your goals, and whether you are acting in good faith.

If a previous case was dismissed within the last year, the automatic stay in a new case can be shorter or not apply at all. You can ask the court to extend it, but you will need facts showing good faith.

• Second case within one year of a dismissal, the automatic stay only lasts 30 days unless extended by the court.
• Third case within one year, there is no automatic stay unless the court grants it after a request.
• Multiple filings can affect your credit and make borrowing harder for a while.

Talk with a lawyer before filing again if your last case closed recently. A short planning call can save time and stress later.

Filing Again After a Dismissal

Not every case ends with a discharge. If your earlier case was dismissed, you might be able to refile sooner than the waiting periods above. You will need to fix the issues that caused the dismissal first.

A 180-day wait applies if the court found a willful failure to follow orders, you did not appear as required, or you asked to dismiss your case after a creditor sought relief from the stay. Otherwise, there might be no set wait at all.

1. Identify why the prior case was dismissed, such as missed documents or plan payments.
2. Gather proof that the problem is solved, like new income or completed counseling.
3. Plan for the automatic stay issue if you filed within the past year.

Working with a bankruptcy attorney can help you file the right chapter, handle any stay motions, and avoid repeating old problems.

Using Chapter 13 Wisely

Even if you are not yet eligible for a Chapter 7 discharge, Chapter 13 can still help. The filing can stop a foreclosure sale, pause repossession, and set one affordable payment each month.

Chapter 13 is also useful for debts that do not go away in Chapter 7, like recent taxes, support, or some tickets. You can spread those payments out and keep the needed property while you pay.

Some people use a “Chapter 20,” which is a Chapter 7 followed by a Chapter 13. The idea is to clear unsecured debt first, then file Chapter 13 to deal with remaining obligations or liens that were not cleared.

If you think this fits your facts, get guidance before you file. Small timing details can make a big difference.

Debt Relief Options Besides Bankruptcy

Not everyone needs to file right away. If you are between filings or not yet eligible for a discharge, you still have options to help reduce pressure.

• Debt consolidation, one new loan to pay several accounts, can simplify payments if you qualify for a fair rate.
• Debt settlement, a negotiated lump sum or payment plan, can reduce balances but can also harm credit in the short term.
• Credit counseling and debt management plans can lower interest rates and create one monthly payment to participating creditors.

Each choice has tradeoffs. Read the terms closely, watch fees, and keep an eye on your bigger goals, like keeping a home or a business running.

Considering Another Bankruptcy Filing? Contact Yusufov Law Firm

At Yusufov Law Firm, we help people across Tucson, Mesa, and Phoenix deal with debt, stop collection, and reset their finances the right way. If you are thinking about filing again, we welcome your questions, and we will walk you through your timing and chapter options. Call (520) 745-4429 for Tucson or (480) 788-0098 for the Mesa office, or reach us through our Contact Us Page to start up a conversation.

We focus on practical plans that protect what matters most to you. If you want clear next steps, feel free to call us or contact us online. Our team works hard to deliver strong results and steady guidance from start to finish.