-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
Expand file tree
/
Copy path109g-filing-bar.html
More file actions
747 lines (692 loc) · 46.1 KB
/
Copy path109g-filing-bar.html
File metadata and controls
747 lines (692 loc) · 46.1 KB
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742
743
744
745
746
747
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) -->
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com">
<link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagmanager.com">
<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-FTWLM223G7"></script>
<script>
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
gtag('js', new Date());
gtag('set', 'allow_ad_personalization_signals', false);
gtag('config', 'G-FTWLM223G7');
gtag('config', 'G-053Z64N82F');
</script>
<script>
document.addEventListener('click', function(e) {
var link = e.target.closest('a[href*="uscourts.gov"]');
if (link) {
gtag('event', 'outbound_click', {
event_category: 'credential_verification',
event_label: link.href,
page_path: location.pathname,
transport_type: 'beacon'
});
}
});
</script>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
<title>109(g) Filing Bar: Can I File Bankruptcy Again After Dismissal? [2026]</title>
<meta name="description" content="Check if the 180-day 109(g) filing bar blocks your next bankruptcy case. Free guide to both triggers, exceptions, and how to calculate your eligibility.">
<meta name="keywords" content="109g bankruptcy filing bar, section 109 g bankruptcy, 180 day filing bar, bankruptcy filing bar, 109(g), section 109(g), bankruptcy dismissal waiting period, willful failure to obey court orders, voluntary dismissal after stay relief motion, serial filing bankruptcy">
<link rel="canonical" href="https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar.html">
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar">
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar-es.html">
<link rel="icon" type="image/svg+xml" href="/favicon.svg">
<!-- Open Graph -->
<meta property="og:title" content="Section 109(g) -- The 180-Day Bankruptcy Filing Bar Explained">
<meta property="og:description" content="Section 109(g) bars you from filing bankruptcy for 180 days after certain dismissals. Learn the two triggers, how it differs from discharge bars, and the courts' causal connection split.">
<meta property="og:type" content="article">
<meta property="og:url" content="https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar.html">
<meta property="og:image" content="https://1328f.com/og-image.png">
<meta property="og:site_name" content="1328f.com">
<!-- Twitter Card -->
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Section 109(g) -- The 180-Day Bankruptcy Filing Bar Explained">
<meta name="twitter:description" content="Section 109(g) bars you from filing bankruptcy for 180 days after certain dismissals. Learn the two triggers and the causal connection debate.">
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://1328f.com/og-image.png">
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the 180 day rule in bankruptcy?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The 180-day rule in bankruptcy refers to Section 109(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, which prevents a person from filing a new bankruptcy case for 180 days after a prior case was dismissed under certain conditions. Unlike discharge bars, which let you file but block debt relief, Section 109(g) prevents you from filing at all. The bar is triggered either by dismissal for willful failure to obey court orders or appear before the court, or by a voluntary dismissal filed after a creditor requested relief from the automatic stay."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is Section 109(g)?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Section 109(g) of the Bankruptcy Code is a filing bar that prevents a debtor from being eligible to file any bankruptcy case for 180 days after a prior dismissal. It has two subsections: 109(g)(1) applies when a case was dismissed for the debtor's willful failure to abide by court orders or to appear before the court as required; 109(g)(2) applies when the debtor voluntarily dismissed a case after a creditor filed a motion for relief from the automatic stay. The 180-day period runs from the date of the dismissal order."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I file bankruptcy again after dismissal?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "It depends on why your case was dismissed. If your case was dismissed for reasons other than willful failure to obey court orders (for example, failing to complete credit counseling or missing a filing deadline), Section 109(g) does not apply and you can refile immediately. If it was dismissed for willful failure to obey court orders or appear, or if you voluntarily dismissed after a creditor moved for stay relief, you must wait 180 days. Even if you can refile, serial filings reduce or eliminate the automatic stay under Sections 362(c)(3) and 362(c)(4)."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the difference between a filing bar and a discharge bar?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "A filing bar (Section 109(g)) prevents you from filing a new bankruptcy case at all for 180 days. You cannot petition the court, you do not receive an automatic stay, and no case is opened. A discharge bar (Sections 727(a)(8), 727(a)(9), 1328(f)) allows you to file a new case and receive the automatic stay, but prevents the court from granting a discharge at the end. Filing bars are shorter (180 days) but more restrictive. Discharge bars are longer (2 to 8 years) but still allow you to file and receive temporary creditor protection."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Does the 180 day bar apply if I voluntarily dismissed my case?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Only if a creditor had already filed a motion for relief from the automatic stay before you dismissed. Under Section 109(g)(2), the filing bar applies to voluntary dismissals that follow a pending stay relief motion. Courts are split on whether the voluntary dismissal must be caused by the stay relief motion (the causal connection test) or whether mere timing is enough. The Tenth Circuit, in In re Frieouf (938 F.2d 1099, 1992), held that a causal connection is required. If no creditor had moved for stay relief, a voluntary dismissal does not trigger the 180-day bar."
}
}
]
}
</script>
<style>
:root {
--bg: #0d1117;
--surface: #161b22;
--border: #30363d;
--text: #c5c8c6;
--text-muted: #9eaab6;
--accent: #58a6ff;
--green: #3fb950;
--red: #f85149;
--yellow: #e3a835;
}
* { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }
body {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
background: var(--bg);
color: var(--text);
line-height: 1.7;
padding: 0 20px;
}
.container {
max-width: 760px;
margin: 0 auto;
padding: 40px 0 80px;
}
.breadcrumb {
font-size: 14px;
color: var(--text-muted);
margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.breadcrumb a { color: var(--accent); text-decoration: none; }
.breadcrumb a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
h1 {
font-size: 32px;
font-weight: 600;
margin-bottom: 8px;
line-height: 1.3;
}
.subtitle {
color: var(--text-muted);
font-size: 16px;
margin-bottom: 32px;
}
h2 {
font-size: 22px;
font-weight: 600;
margin: 40px 0 16px;
padding-bottom: 8px;
border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}
h3 {
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: 600;
margin: 28px 0 12px;
}
p { margin-bottom: 16px; }
a { color: var(--accent); text-decoration: none; }
a:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
.statute-box {
background: var(--surface);
border: 1px solid var(--border);
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 6px;
font-size: 15px;
}
.statute-box .label {
font-size: 12px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
color: var(--text-muted);
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.warning-box {
background: var(--surface);
border: 1px solid var(--border);
border-left: 4px solid var(--yellow);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 6px;
}
.warning-box .label {
font-size: 12px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
color: var(--text-muted);
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.red-box {
background: var(--surface);
border: 1px solid var(--border);
border-left: 4px solid var(--red);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 6px;
}
.red-box .label {
font-size: 12px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
color: var(--text-muted);
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.green-box {
background: var(--surface);
border: 1px solid var(--border);
border-left: 4px solid var(--green);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 6px;
}
.green-box .label {
font-size: 12px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
color: var(--text-muted);
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
margin: 20px 0;
font-size: 15px;
}
th, td {
padding: 10px 14px;
text-align: left;
border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);
}
th {
color: var(--text-muted);
font-size: 13px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
font-weight: 600;
}
ul, ol { margin: 0 0 16px 24px; }
li { margin-bottom: 8px; }
.cta-box {
background: var(--surface);
border: 1px solid var(--accent);
border-radius: 6px;
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 32px 0;
text-align: center;
}
.cta-box a {
display: inline-block;
margin-top: 12px;
padding: 10px 24px;
background: var(--accent);
color: #fff;
border-radius: 6px;
font-weight: 600;
text-decoration: none;
}
.cta-box a:hover { opacity: 0.9; text-decoration: none; }
.footer {
margin-top: 64px;
padding-top: 24px;
border-top: 1px solid var(--border);
font-size: 13px;
color: var(--text-muted);
}
.footer a { color: var(--accent); }
@media (max-width: 600px) {
h1 { font-size: 24px; }
h2 { font-size: 19px; }
.container { padding: 24px 0 60px; }
table { font-size: 13px; }
th, td { padding: 8px 10px; }
}
</style>
<meta name="last-modified" content="2026-05-01">
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Screener",
"item": "https://1328f.com/"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "109(g) Filing Bar",
"item": "https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar.html"
}
]
}
</script>
<link rel="sitemap" type="application/xml" href="/sitemap.xml">
<script type="application/ld+json">
{"@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Open Bankruptcy Project", "url": "https://1328f.org", "description": "Free, open-source bankruptcy court transparency tools and research.", "foundingDate": "2026-03-27", "areaServed": "US", "nonprofitStatus": "Nonprofit501c3", "sameAs": ["https://1328f.com", "https://1328f.org"]}
</script>
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@graph": [
{
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Section 109(g): The 180-Day Filing Bar",
"description": "Section 109(g) imposes a 180-day bankruptcy filing bar after certain dismissals. Learn the two triggers, how it differs from discharge bars, automatic stay cons",
"author": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Open Bankruptcy Project"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Open Bankruptcy Project",
"url": "https://1328f.org"
},
"datePublished": "2026-03-28",
"dateModified": "2026-05-01",
"mainEntityOfPage": "https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar.html"
},
{
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "Section 109(g): The 180-Day Filing Bar",
"step": [
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 1,
"text": "window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];\n function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}\n gtag('js', new Date());\n gtag('config', 'G-FTWLM223G7');\n\n\ndocument.addEventListener('click', function(e) {\n"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 2,
"text": "Failing to appear at the Section 341 meeting of creditors after being ordered to attend"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 3,
"text": "Repeatedly missing court-ordered deadlines without explanation"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 4,
"text": "Refusing to comply with a court order to provide financial information to the trustee"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 5,
"text": "A creditor must have filed a motion for relief from the automatic stay under Section 362(d)"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 6,
"text": "After that motion was filed, the debtor must have requested and obtained voluntary dismissal"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 7,
"text": "Voluntary dismissal without a pending stay relief motion. If you voluntarily dismiss your case and no creditor has filed a motion for relief from stay, 109(g)(2) does not apply. You can refile immedia"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 8,
"text": "Dismissal for reasons other than willful failure. If your case was dismissed because you failed to complete credit counseling, could not make plan payments, did not qualify for the chapter you filed u"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 9,
"text": "Cases that were completed, not dismissed. Section 109(g) applies only to dismissed cases. If your prior case ended in discharge or was closed after plan completion, the filing bar is irrelevant. (Disc"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 10,
"text": "Involuntary dismissal by the court for administrative reasons. Courts have generally held that routine administrative dismissals -- such as dismissal for failure to pay the filing fee or failure to fi"
}
]
},
{
"@type": "WebPage",
"name": "Section 109(g): The 180-Day Filing Bar",
"url": "https://1328f.com/109g-filing-bar.html",
"speakable": {
"@type": "SpeakableSpecification",
"cssSelector": [
".quick-answer",
"h1",
".summary",
"p:first-of-type"
]
}
}
]
}
</script>
</head>
<body>
<style>
#site-nav{background:#0d1117;border-bottom:1px solid #30363d;padding:0.5rem 1rem;text-align:center;font-size:0.78rem;line-height:1.9}
#site-nav a{margin:0 0.3rem}
#site-nav .sep{color:#30363d;margin:0 0.25rem}
#site-nav .nav-label{color:#f0f6fc;margin:0 0.4rem;font-weight:700}
#site-nav .nav-label:first-child{margin-right:0.4rem}
.nav-toggle{display:none;background:none;border:1px solid #30363d;color:#c9d1d9;font-size:1.2rem;padding:0.4rem 0.75rem;border-radius:4px;cursor:pointer;line-height:1}
.nav-toggle:focus-visible{outline:2px solid #58a6ff;outline-offset:2px}
.nav-links{display:inline}
@media(max-width:768px){
.nav-toggle{display:inline-block;margin:0.25rem 0}
.nav-links{display:none;text-align:left;padding:0.5rem 0}
.nav-links.open{display:block}
.nav-links a{display:block;padding:0.6rem 1rem;margin:0;font-size:0.9rem;min-height:44px;line-height:1.6;border-bottom:1px solid #21262d}
.nav-links a:hover,.nav-links a:focus{background:#161b22}
.nav-links .sep{display:none}
.nav-links br{display:none}
.nav-links .nav-label{display:block;padding:0.5rem 1rem 0.2rem;font-size:0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;color:#9eaab6;margin:0}
}
</style>
<nav id="site-nav" aria-label="Site navigation">
<button class="nav-toggle" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="nav-links" aria-label="Toggle navigation menu">☰ Menu</button>
<div class="nav-links" id="nav-links">
<strong class="nav-label">Tools:</strong>
<a href="check.html">Eligibility Checker</a>
<a href="compare.html">Compare All Bars</a>
<a href="dashboard.html">Dashboard</a>
<a href="timeline.html">Timeline</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<strong class="nav-label">Learn:</strong>
<a href="explainer.html">1328(f) Explained</a>
<a href="discharge-bar.html">Discharge Bar</a>
<a href="727a8-discharge-bar.html">727(a)(8) Bar</a>
<a href="109g-filing-bar.html">109(g) Bar</a>
<a href="can-i-file-bankruptcy-again.html">Can I File Again?</a>
<a href="how-long-between-bankruptcies.html">How Long Between?</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<a href="chapter-7.html">Ch. 7</a>
<a href="chapter-11.html">Ch. 11</a>
<a href="chapter-12.html">Ch. 12</a>
<a href="chapter-13.html">Ch. 13</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<strong class="nav-label">Statutes:</strong>
<a href="section-362-automatic-stay.html">§362</a>
<a href="section-506-secured-claims.html">§506</a>
<a href="section-523-nondischargeable-debts.html">§523</a>
<a href="section-727-chapter-7-discharge.html">§727</a>
<a href="section-1325-plan-confirmation.html">§1325</a>
<a href="section-341-meeting-of-creditors.html">§341</a>
<a href="section-524-discharge-injunction.html">§524</a>
<a href="section-547-preferences.html">§547</a>
<a href="section-548-fraudulent-transfers.html">§548</a>
<a href="section-707-chapter-7-dismissal.html">§707</a>
<a href="section-1141-chapter-11-discharge.html">§1141</a>
<a href="section-1322-plan-contents.html">§1322</a>
<br>
<strong class="nav-label">Browse:</strong> <a href="/districts/">Districts</a>
<a href="/states/">States</a>
<a href="/judges/">Judges</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<strong class="nav-label">Data:</strong>
<a href="chapter-13-failure-rate.html">Failure Rates</a>
<a href="chapter-13-success-rate-by-state.html">Success by State</a>
<a href="caselaw.html">Case Law</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<strong class="nav-label">For:</strong>
<a href="for-debtors.html">Debtors</a>
<a href="for-attorneys.html">Attorneys</a>
<a href="for-trustees.html">Trustees</a>
<a href="for-judges.html">Judges</a>
<a href="for-researchers.html">Researchers</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<a href="glossary.html">Glossary</a>
<a href="before-you-file.html">Before You File</a>
<a href="reading.html">Reading List</a>
<a href="bankruptcy-myths.html">Myths</a>
<a href="bankruptcy-concealment.html">Concealment</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<a href="https://1328f.org/support/" style="color:#238636;font-weight:600">Support This Research</a>
<span class="sep">|</span>
<a href="109g-filing-bar-es.html" class="lang-toggle" hreflang="es" style="font-weight:600">Español</a>
</div>
</nav>
<script>document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',function(){var b=document.querySelector('.nav-toggle');if(b)b.addEventListener('click',function(){var l=document.querySelector('.nav-links');l.classList.toggle('open');b.setAttribute('aria-expanded',l.classList.contains('open'))})});</script>
<div style="background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0d2137,#122a44);border:1px solid #1f4068;border-radius:6px;padding:0.6rem 1.2rem;margin:1rem auto;max-width:900px;text-align:center;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:0.75rem;flex-wrap:wrap">
<svg width="18" height="18" viewbox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" style="flex-shrink:0"><path d="M10 1l2.39 4.84L18 6.71l-4 3.9.94 5.5L10 13.77 5.06 16.1 6 10.6 2 6.71l5.61-.87L10 1z" fill="#f0c14b"></path></svg>
<span style="color:#f0f6fc;font-size:0.85rem"><strong>Cited by the federal judiciary</strong> — This tool's data was accepted by the Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules as <a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/records-rules-committees/suggestions/dan-brown-26-bk-3" style="color:#58a6ff">Suggestion 26-BK-3</a> and <a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/records-rules-committees/suggestions/dan-brown-26-bk-5" style="color:#58a6ff">Suggestion 26-BK-5</a></span>
</div>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:6px;padding:0.6rem 1.2rem;margin:0 auto 1rem;max-width:900px;text-align:center;font-size:0.85rem;color:#9eaab6">
This analysis is backed by <strong style="color:#e6edf3">5.1 million federal bankruptcy cases</strong>. <a href="/check.html" style="color:#58a6ff">Check your eligibility</a> or <a href="/dashboard.html" style="color:#58a6ff">explore the data</a>.
</div>
<div class="container">
<div class="breadcrumb">
<a href="index.html">Screener</a> / 109(g) Filing Bar
</div>
<h1>Section 109(g): The 180-Day Filing Bar</h1>
<p class="subtitle"><a href="https://109g.org" title="Section 109 Eligibility -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 109</a>(g) is a federal law that bars you from filing any bankruptcy case for 180 days after a prior case is dismissed under certain conditions. Unlike discharge bars, which let you file but block debt relief, this provision blocks the door entirely -- no case is opened, no <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a> takes effect, and no creditor protection begins.</p>
<h2>What Section 109(g) does</h2>
<p>Most bankruptcy timing restrictions are <strong>discharge bars</strong> -- they let you file a new case but prevent the court from eliminating your debts at the end. <a href="https://109g.org" title="Section 109 Eligibility -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 109</a>(g) is different. It is a <strong>filing bar</strong>: for 180 days after certain dismissals, you cannot file any bankruptcy petition at all. No case is opened, no <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a> takes effect, and no creditor protection begins.</p>
<p>The statute targets two specific situations where Congress concluded a debtor had abused the bankruptcy process or was using voluntary dismissal to game the <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a>.</p>
<div class="statute-box">
<div class="label">11 U.S.C. Section 109(g)</div>
<p>Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no individual ... may be a debtor under this title who has been a debtor in a case pending under this title at any time in the preceding 180 days if -- (1) the case was dismissed by the court for willful failure of the debtor to abide by orders of the court, or to appear before the court in proper prosecution of the case; or (2) the debtor requested and obtained the voluntary dismissal of the case following the filing of a request for relief from the <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a>.</p>
</div>
<h2>The two triggers</h2>
<h3>109(g)(1) -- Dismissed for willful failure to obey court orders or appear</h3>
<p>If the court dismisses your case because you willfully failed to follow court orders or failed to appear as required, you are barred from filing a new case for 180 days. The word "willful" is doing important work here -- the failure must be intentional or reflect a conscious disregard for the court's authority, not merely an oversight or mistake.</p>
<p>Common scenarios that trigger 109(g)(1):</p>
<ul>
<li>Ignoring a court order to file required documents (schedules, statements of financial affairs, tax returns)</li>
<li>Failing to appear at the Section 341 <a href="https://341meeting.org" title="341 Meeting of Creditors -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meeting of creditors</a> after being ordered to attend</li>
<li>Repeatedly missing court-ordered deadlines without explanation</li>
<li>Refusing to comply with a court order to provide financial information to the trustee</li>
</ul>
<p>Not every dismissal triggers the bar. If your case was dismissed for failing to complete credit counseling, missing a routine filing deadline, or other reasons not involving willful disobedience of court orders, <a href="https://109g.org" title="Section 109 Eligibility -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 109</a>(g)(1) does not apply.</p>
<h3>109(g)(2) -- Voluntary dismissal after a stay relief motion</h3>
<p>If a creditor filed a motion asking the court to lift the <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a>, and you then voluntarily dismissed your case, you are barred from refiling for 180 days. This provision targets a specific abuse pattern: filing bankruptcy solely to invoke the <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a> and stop a foreclosure or repossession, then voluntarily dismissing once the immediate crisis passes, only to refile when the creditor tries again.</p>
<p>Two conditions must be met:</p>
<ol>
<li>A creditor must have filed a <a href="https://relieffromstay.org" title="Motion for Relief from Stay -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">motion for relief</a> from the automatic stay under Section 362(d)</li>
<li>After that motion was filed, the debtor must have requested and obtained voluntary dismissal</li>
</ol>
<div class="warning-box">
<div class="label">The causal connection debate</div>
<p>Courts are split on whether 109(g)(2) requires the voluntary dismissal to be <em>caused by</em> the stay relief motion, or whether timing alone is sufficient. The Tenth Circuit, in <em>In re Frieouf</em>, 938 F.2d 1099 (10th Cir. 1992), held that a causal connection is required -- the debtor must have dismissed the case <em>because of</em> the pending stay relief motion, not merely after it was filed. Other courts apply the statute more literally: if the sequence fits (stay relief motion filed, then voluntary dismissal), the bar applies regardless of the debtor's reasons for dismissing.</p>
<p style="margin-top:12px;">Under the <em>Frieouf</em> approach, if you can show your voluntary dismissal was unrelated to the creditor's stay relief motion -- for example, you dismissed because you found a non-bankruptcy solution to your debts -- the 180-day bar does not apply even though the timing overlapped.</p>
</div>
<h2>Filing bar vs. discharge bar</h2>
<p>Filing bars and discharge bars serve different purposes and operate at different points in the bankruptcy process. Confusing them is common, but the practical consequences are very different.</p>
<table>
<tr>
<th scope="col"></th>
<th scope="col">Filing bar (109(g))</th>
<th scope="col">Discharge bar (727(a), 1328(f))</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>What it blocks</strong></td>
<td>Filing a new case</td>
<td>Receiving a discharge</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Can you file?</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--red)">No</td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Automatic stay?</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--red)">No (no case exists)</td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">Yes (case is filed)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Duration</strong></td>
<td>180 days</td>
<td>2 to 8 years</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Triggered by</strong></td>
<td>Certain dismissals</td>
<td>Prior discharge</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Statutes</strong></td>
<td><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/109">109(g)</a></td>
<td><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/727">727(a)(8)/(9)</a>, <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/1328">1328(f)</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Measured from</strong></td>
<td>Date of dismissal order</td>
<td>Filing date to filing date</td>
</tr>
</table>
<div class="red-box">
<div class="label">Key distinction</div>
<p>A <a href="https://dischargebar.org" title="Bankruptcy Discharge Bar -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discharge bar</a> still lets you file and get the automatic stay -- temporary protection from creditors. A filing bar gives you nothing. You cannot file, you have no case, and creditors can pursue all available remedies. The filing bar is shorter (180 days vs. years), but it is more restrictive during the period it applies.</p>
</div>
<h2>Automatic stay implications for serial filers</h2>
<p>Even when the 180-day filing bar does not apply, serial bankruptcy filings trigger automatic stay limitations under Sections 362(c)(3) and 362(c)(4). These provisions, added by BAPCPA in 2005, apply whenever a debtor has had a prior case pending within the previous year:</p>
<table>
<tr>
<th scope="col">Situation</th>
<th scope="col">Statute</th>
<th scope="col">Stay duration</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>One prior case dismissed within past year</td>
<td><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/362">362(c)(3)</a></td>
<td>30 days (unless extended by court)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Two or more prior cases dismissed within past year</td>
<td><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/362">362(c)(4)</a></td>
<td>No stay at all (unless imposed by court)</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>The combination of 109(g) and the 362(c) limitations creates a graduated deterrent against serial filing. A debtor who has a case dismissed under 109(g) conditions faces 180 days with no ability to file. A debtor who manages to refile after one dismissal gets only 30 days of stay protection. A debtor whose second attempt is also dismissed and who files a third time gets no automatic stay whatsoever.</p>
<div class="statute-box">
<div class="label">Practical impact</div>
<p>Serial filing to repeatedly invoke the automatic stay -- for example, filing to stop a foreclosure, getting dismissed, refiling to stop it again -- was the specific abuse pattern Congress targeted. Between the 109(g) filing bar and the 362(c) stay limitations, this strategy is now largely ineffective. A debtor who needs genuine bankruptcy relief should focus on filing one case and prosecuting it properly.</p>
</div>
<h2>When 109(g) does NOT apply</h2>
<p>The 180-day filing bar applies only in the two situations described above. It does not apply to:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Voluntary dismissal without a pending stay relief motion.</strong> If you voluntarily dismiss your case and no creditor has filed a <a href="https://relieffromstay.org" title="Motion for Relief from Stay -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">motion for relief</a> from stay, 109(g)(2) does not apply. You can refile immediately (though the 362(c)(3) 30-day stay limitation may still apply).</li>
<li><strong>Dismissal for reasons other than willful failure.</strong> If your case was dismissed because you failed to complete credit counseling, could not make plan payments, did not qualify for the chapter you filed under, or for any reason other than willful disobedience of court orders, 109(g)(1) does not apply.</li>
<li><strong>Cases that were completed, not dismissed.</strong> <a href="https://109g.org" title="Section 109 Eligibility -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 109</a>(g) applies only to dismissed cases. If your prior case ended in discharge or was closed after plan completion, the filing bar is irrelevant. (Discharge bars under 727(a) or 1328(f) may apply instead.)</li>
<li><strong>Involuntary dismissal by the court for administrative reasons.</strong> Courts have generally held that routine administrative dismissals -- such as dismissal for failure to pay the filing fee or failure to file schedules on time -- do not constitute "willful failure to abide by orders of the court" unless the debtor's conduct was deliberately defiant.</li>
</ul>
<div class="green-box">
<div class="label">Bottom line</div>
<p>Most dismissals do not trigger the 109(g) filing bar. The provision targets willful defiance of court authority and strategic abuse of the automatic stay. If your case was dismissed for ordinary reasons -- you could not afford plan payments, missed a procedural deadline, or decided bankruptcy was not the right path -- you are generally free to refile immediately.</p>
</div>
<h2>How the 180-day clock works</h2>
<p>The 180-day period runs from the date the dismissal order is entered. Unlike discharge bars (which run filing date to filing date), the filing bar runs from the dismissal date. If your case was dismissed on January 1, you can file a new case on June 30 -- the 180th day.</p>
<p>Courts calculate the period using calendar days, not business days. Weekends and holidays count. There is no tolling provision -- the 180-day clock does not pause for any reason.</p>
<h2>Enforcement: jurisdictional vs. waivable</h2>
<p>There is a long-standing circuit split on whether <a href="https://109g.org" title="Section 109 Eligibility -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 109</a>(g) is jurisdictional (meaning the court must enforce it on its own, even if no party raises it) or waivable (meaning it applies only if a creditor or the trustee objects).</p>
<p>Courts that treat 109(g) as jurisdictional will dismiss a case filed within the 180-day window even if no party objects. Courts that treat it as waivable will allow the case to proceed unless someone raises the issue. The practical effect: in some districts, a debtor who files during the bar period and faces no objection can proceed with the case; in others, the court will catch it and dismiss.</p>
<div class="warning-box">
<div class="label">Know your district</div>
<p>Whether 109(g) is treated as jurisdictional or waivable varies by circuit and even by individual judge. Before refiling after a dismissal that may trigger the bar, check how courts in your district handle the issue. Filing during the 180-day period in a jurisdiction that treats the bar as jurisdictional risks automatic dismissal and the costs associated with a second filing.</p>
</div>
<h2>109(g) and the full eligibility picture</h2>
<p><a href="https://109g.org" title="Section 109 Eligibility -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 109</a>(g) is one piece of a larger eligibility framework. A debtor considering a new filing after a prior case should check all of the following:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>109(g) filing bar</strong> -- Can you file at all? (180-day bar after certain dismissals)</li>
<li><strong>Discharge bars</strong> -- If you can file, will you receive a discharge? (<a href="discharge-bar.html">727(a)(8), 727(a)(9), 1328(f)</a>)</li>
<li><strong>Automatic stay limitations</strong> -- Will you receive full stay protection? (362(c)(3) and 362(c)(4))</li>
<li><strong>Credit counseling</strong> -- Have you completed the required pre-filing briefing? (109(h))</li>
</ol>
<p>Each restriction operates independently. You can pass one test and fail another. A debtor who clears the 109(g) filing bar may still be barred from discharge under 1328(f). A debtor who is eligible for discharge may still face a reduced automatic stay under 362(c)(3).</p>
<div class="cta-box">
<p>Check whether a prior case affects your eligibility to file or receive a discharge.</p>
<a href="check.html">Use the Eligibility Checker</a>
</div>
<h2>Related resources</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="discharge-bar.html">Discharge Bar Explained</a> -- The four BAPCPA waiting periods for discharge eligibility</li>
<li><a href="can-i-file-bankruptcy-again.html">Can I File Bankruptcy Again?</a> -- Time limits and eligibility rules for repeat filings</li>
<li><a href="how-long-between-bankruptcies.html">How Long Between Bankruptcies?</a> -- All waiting periods in one table</li>
<li><a href="compare.html">Compare All Bars</a> -- Side-by-side comparison of every filing and <a href="https://dischargebar.org" title="Bankruptcy Discharge Bar -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discharge bar</a></li>
<li><a href="check.html">Eligibility Checker</a> -- Check a specific case number</li>
<li><a href="bankruptcy-dismissed-vs-discharged.html">Dismissed vs. Discharged</a> -- What each outcome means for your next case</li>
</ul>
<h2>Legal references</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/109">11 U.S.C. Section 109</a> -- Who may be a debtor</li>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/362">11 U.S.C. Section 362</a> -- Automatic stay</li>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/727">11 U.S.C. Section 727</a> -- Discharge (Chapter 7)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/11/1328">11 U.S.C. Section 1328</a> -- Discharge (Chapter 13)</li>
<li><em>In re Frieouf</em>, 938 F.2d 1099 (10th Cir. 1992) -- Causal connection required for 109(g)(2)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics">Bankruptcy Basics</a> -- U.S. Courts</li>
</ul>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #238636;border-radius:6px;padding:1rem 1.5rem;text-align:center;max-width:600px;margin:2rem auto 1rem">
<p style="color:#e6edf3;margin:0 0 0.5rem;font-size:0.95rem">This site is free and open-source. Donations support the Open Bankruptcy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631), funding PACER access fees and bankruptcy court transparency research.</p>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:6px;padding:1.5rem;text-align:center;max-width:600px;margin:2rem auto">
<p style="color:#f0f6fc;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:0.5rem">Stay updated on new datasets and research findings</p>
<p style="color:#9eaab6;font-size:0.85rem;margin-bottom:1rem">No spam. No marketing. Just data.</p>
<form action="https://formspree.io/f/xkoqeyzw" method="POST" style="display:flex;gap:0.5rem;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap">
<input type="email" name="email" placeholder="your@email.com" required style="padding:0.5rem 1rem;border-radius:6px;border:1px solid #30363d;background:#0d1117;color:#f0f6fc;font-size:0.9rem;min-width:250px">
<input type="hidden" name="_subject" value="BTN Research Subscriber">
<button type="submit" style="padding:0.5rem 1.5rem;border-radius:6px;border:none;background:#238636;color:#fff;font-weight:600;font-size:0.9rem;cursor:pointer">Subscribe</button>
</form>
</div>
<a href="https://buy.stripe.com/7sY7sE7qbeIZdQfclSaVa05" style="display:inline-block;background:#bf3989;color:#fff;padding:0.6rem 1.8rem;border-radius:6px;font-weight:600;font-size:0.95rem;text-decoration:none;transition:background 0.2s" onmouseover="this.style.background='#9e2c6f'" onmouseout="this.style.background='#bf3989'">♥ Donate</a>
</div>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:6px;padding:1rem 1.5rem;max-width:700px;margin:2rem auto;">
<p style="color:#9eaab6;font-size:0.85rem;margin:0;"><strong style="color:#e6edf3;">Related:</strong> <a href="discharge-bar.html">Discharge bars explained</a>, <a href="can-i-file-bankruptcy-again.html">Can I file again?</a>, <a href="what-happens-when-bankruptcy-is-dismissed.html">What happens after dismissal</a></p>
</div>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #238636;border-radius:6px;padding:1rem 1.5rem;max-width:700px;margin:2rem auto">
<p style="color:#238636;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:0.25rem">Dedicated Resource</p>
<p style="color:#e6edf3;font-size:0.95rem;margin:0">This topic now has its own site: <a href="https://109g.org" style="color:#58a6ff;font-weight:600">109g.org</a> -- dedicated Section 109(g) filing bar resource</p>
</div>
<div class="footer">
<p><a href="index.html">Map</a> · <a href="check.html">Checker</a> · <a href="explainer.html">Explainer</a> · <a href="caselaw.html">Case Law</a> · <a href="dashboard.html">Dashboard</a></p>
<p style="margin-top:8px">Part of the <a href="https://github.com/ilikemath9999/bankruptcy-discharge-screener">Bankruptcy Discharge Bar Screener</a>, an open-source project. This is not legal advice.</p>
<p style="margin-top:8px">Last updated: June 2026</p>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:6px;padding:1rem;margin:1.5rem 0"><p style="color:#9eaab6;font-size:0.8rem;margin-bottom:0.5rem">Related guides:</p> <a href="/discharge-bar.html" style="display:inline-block;margin:0.2rem 0.3rem;padding:0.2rem 0.6rem;background:#21262d;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:4px;font-size:0.8rem;color:#9eaab6">Discharge Bar</a> <a href="/can-i-file-bankruptcy-again.html" style="display:inline-block;margin:0.2rem 0.3rem;padding:0.2rem 0.6rem;background:#21262d;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:4px;font-size:0.8rem;color:#9eaab6">Can I File Again?</a> <a href="/how-long-between-bankruptcies.html" style="display:inline-block;margin:0.2rem 0.3rem;padding:0.2rem 0.6rem;background:#21262d;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:4px;font-size:0.8rem;color:#9eaab6">How Long Between?</a> <a href="/727a8-discharge-bar.html" style="display:inline-block;margin:0.2rem 0.3rem;padding:0.2rem 0.6rem;background:#21262d;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:4px;font-size:0.8rem;color:#9eaab6">727(a)(8) Bar</a> <a href="/compare.html" style="display:inline-block;margin:0.2rem 0.3rem;padding:0.2rem 0.6rem;background:#21262d;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:4px;font-size:0.8rem;color:#9eaab6">Compare All Bars</a></div>
<div style="background:#161b22;border:1px solid #30363d;border-radius:6px;padding:1.5rem;text-align:center;max-width:900px;margin:2rem auto 0">
<p style="color:#f0f6fc;font-size:1.1rem;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:0.25rem">PACER cases made free through RECAP: <span id="recap-count" style="color:#58a6ff">150+</span> of 37.9 million</p>
<p style="color:#9eaab6;font-size:0.85rem;margin-bottom:0.75rem">Every document we access becomes permanently free for the next researcher, attorney, or debtor.</p>
<div style="background:#21262d;border-radius:6px;height:22px;overflow:hidden;margin:0.75rem auto;max-width:400px"><div style="background:linear-gradient(90deg,#238636,#2ea043);height:100%;width:0%;border-radius:6px;min-width:2px"></div></div>
<p style="margin-bottom:0.25rem"><span style="color:#58a6ff;font-size:1.2rem;font-weight:700">$0</span> <span style="color:#9eaab6">of</span> <span style="color:#f0f6fc;font-size:1.2rem;font-weight:700">$5,000</span> <span style="color:#9eaab6">Q1 PACER research goal</span></p>
<p style="color:#9eaab6;font-size:0.8rem;margin-bottom:0.75rem">1,500+ hours. No grants, no institutional backing. 0 supporters so far.</p>
<a href="https://1328f.org/support/" style="display:inline-block;background:#238636;color:#fff;padding:0.5rem 1.5rem;border-radius:6px;font-weight:600;font-size:0.9rem;text-decoration:none">Sponsor this research</a>
</div>
<script>fetch("/data/recap-count.json").then(function(r){return r.json()}).then(function(d){var e=document.getElementById("recap-count");if(e&&d.count!==undefined)e.textContent=d.count.toLocaleString()}).catch(function(){})</script>
<footer style="text-align:center;padding:24px 0;font-size:13px;color:#9eaab6;border-top:1px solid #30363d;margin-top:2rem">
<a href="https://github.com/ilikemath9999/bankruptcy-discharge-screener" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Open Source</a>
· <a href="https://1328f.org">Research</a>
· No personal data collected
<br>Research and reports at <a href="https://1328f.org">1328f.org</a>
<br><span style="font-size:11px">This site provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by using this tool. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.<br>A project of the <strong>Open Bankruptcy Project</strong>, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631).</span>
</footer>
<script>document.addEventListener('click',function(e){var a=e.target.closest('a');if(a&&a.href&&a.href.indexOf('uscourts.gov/rules-policies')!==-1){gtag('event','rules_suggestion_click',{link_url:a.href,page_path:location.pathname})}})</script>
<script src="/btn-engage.js"></script>
<script src="/btn-search.js" defer></script>
</body>
</html>