If you filed a prior bankruptcy you may need to wait a period of time to file again if you want a discharge (permanent forgiveness of debt).  However, you can file a Chapter 13 if you only want to cure an arrearage and stop a foreclosure, and you don't need the discharge (permanent court order to not collect).

1. There is no waiting period if a prior Chapter 13 paid over 70% to file a new Chapter 7 or 13 and get another discharge.
2. You can’t get a discharge in a Chapter 13 and get a Chapter 7 discharge for 6 years if it paid less than 70% 11 USC 727 (9).
3. You can’t get a discharge in a Chapter 13 and get another Chapter 13 discharge for 2 years if it paid less than 70%11 USC 1328 (f).
4. You can’t get a discharge in a Chapter 7 and get another Chapter 7 discharge for 8 years 11USC 727 (8).
5. You can’t get a discharge in a Chapter 7 and get a Chapter 13 discharge for 4 years 11USC 1328 (f).

Remember: You can always file a Chapter 13 and cure the arrearage for a foreclosure, but if you filed another bankruptcy recently may not get the permanent “discharge” of any unsecured debt.

The Kentucky Bankruptcy Manual discusses the waiting periods for bankruptcy discharges in Lexington KY.   Download your free copy.