-
Notifications
You must be signed in to change notification settings - Fork 0
Expand file tree
/
Copy path727a8-discharge-bar.html
More file actions
806 lines (752 loc) · 47.3 KB
/
Copy path727a8-discharge-bar.html
File metadata and controls
806 lines (752 loc) · 47.3 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
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
<!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>727 Discharge Bar -- File Chapter 7 Twice? 8-Year Rule Guide [2026]</title>
<meta name="description" content="Can you file Chapter 7 twice? Check the 727(a)(8) 8-year and 727(a)(9) 6-year waiting periods. Free calculator and step-by-step eligibility guide.">
<meta name="keywords" content="727(a)(8) bankruptcy, section 727 a 8, chapter 7 discharge bar, 8 year rule bankruptcy, how long between chapter 7 filings, 727(a)(9), 6 year rule bankruptcy, chapter 7 after chapter 13, chapter 7 after chapter 7, repeat chapter 7 filing, bankruptcy discharge waiting period">
<link rel="canonical" href="https://1328f.com/727a8-discharge-bar.html">
<link rel="icon" type="image/svg+xml" href="/favicon.svg">
<!-- Open Graph -->
<meta property="og:title" content="Section 727(a)(8) & 727(a)(9) -- Chapter 7 Discharge Time Bars">
<meta property="og:description" content="You must wait 8 years between Chapter 7 discharges. Section 727(a)(8) and 727(a)(9) set the time bars. Learn the rules, exceptions, and how to calculate deadlines.">
<meta property="og:type" content="article">
<meta property="og:url" content="https://1328f.com/727a8-discharge-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 727(a)(8) & 727(a)(9) -- Chapter 7 Discharge Time Bars">
<meta name="twitter:description" content="8-year and 6-year bars on Chapter 7 discharge after prior bankruptcies. The complete guide with calculation examples.">
<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": "How long do you have to wait to file Chapter 7 again?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "You must wait 8 years between Chapter 7 discharges. Under Section 727(a)(8), the court will deny a Chapter 7 discharge if the debtor received a discharge in a prior Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 case filed within 8 years before the current case was filed. The 8-year clock runs from filing date to filing date, not from discharge date. You can file a new Chapter 7 case before the 8 years are up, but you will not receive a discharge."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is Section 727(a)(8)?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Section 727(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code bars a Chapter 7 discharge if the debtor received a discharge in a prior case filed under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 within the 8 years before the current case was filed. It is the longest discharge bar in the Bankruptcy Code. The provision does not prevent filing -- it prevents the court from granting a discharge, meaning debts survive the case."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can I file Chapter 7 after Chapter 13?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, but a waiting period applies. Under Section 727(a)(9), you must wait 6 years from the filing date of the prior Chapter 13 case before filing a Chapter 7 that will result in a discharge. However, there are two exceptions: the 6-year bar does not apply if (1) the prior Chapter 13 plan paid unsecured creditors 100% of their allowed claims, or (2) the plan paid at least 70% of unsecured claims and was proposed in good faith and represented the debtor's best effort."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the difference between 727(a)(8) and 727(a)(9)?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Section 727(a)(8) applies when the prior discharge was in a Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 case, and imposes an 8-year bar. Section 727(a)(9) applies when the prior discharge was in a Chapter 12 or Chapter 13 case, and imposes a 6-year bar with two exceptions for substantial repayment plans. Both sections bar a Chapter 7 discharge in the new case. Neither section prevents filing -- they only prevent discharge."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Does the 8 year rule run from filing date or discharge date?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The 8-year period under Section 727(a)(8) runs from filing date to filing date. Specifically, the court looks at when the prior case was filed and when the current case was filed. The date the prior discharge was actually entered does not matter for the calculation. This is a common point of confusion -- many people assume the clock starts when the discharge was granted, but it starts when the prior case was filed."
}
}
]
}
</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); }
.example-box {
background: var(--surface);
border: 1px solid var(--border);
padding: 20px 24px;
margin: 24px 0;
border-radius: 6px;
}
.example-box .label {
font-size: 12px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
color: var(--text-muted);
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
@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": "727(a)(8) Discharge Bar",
"item": "https://1328f.com/727a8-discharge-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 727(a)(8) & 727(a)(9): Chapter 7 Discharge Time Bars",
"description": "Section 727(a)(8) bars a Chapter 7 discharge for 8 years after a prior Chapter 7 or 11 discharge. Section 727(a)(9) bars it for 6 years after a prior Chapter 12",
"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/727a8-discharge-bar.html"
},
{
"@type": "HowTo",
"name": "Section 727(a)(8) & 727(a)(9): Chapter 7 Discharge Time Bars",
"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": "The clock ends on the date the new case is filed (not the date you consult an attorney or decide to refile)"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 3,
"text": "The debtor committed all projected disposable income to the plan"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 4,
"text": "The plan was not structured to minimize payments while preserving assets"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 5,
"text": "The debtor did not hide income or assets during the Chapter 13 case"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 6,
"text": "The debtor made genuine efforts to maximize payments to creditors"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 7,
"text": "It does not bar filing. You can file a Chapter 7 case at any time. The statute only bars discharge. (Compare with Section 109(g), which bars filing entirely.)"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 8,
"text": "It does not bar Chapter 13. Section 727(a)(8) applies only to Chapter 7 discharges. If you received a Chapter 7 discharge and want to file again within 8 years, you can file a Chapter 13 and potential"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 9,
"text": "It does not apply to dismissed cases. If your prior Chapter 7 case was dismissed (not discharged), Section 727(a)(8) does not apply. The bar requires a prior discharge. A dismissed case produces no di"
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 10,
"text": "It does not apply to denied discharges. If your prior Chapter 7 discharge was denied (for fraud, concealment, or other reasons under 727(a)(2)-(7)), no discharge was \"granted\" and the 8-year bar does "
}
]
},
{
"@type": "WebPage",
"name": "Section 727(a)(8) & 727(a)(9): Chapter 7 Discharge Time Bars",
"url": "https://1328f.com/727a8-discharge-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>
</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> / 727(a)(8) Discharge Bar
</div>
<h1>Section 727(a)(8) & 727(a)(9): Chapter 7 Discharge Time Bars</h1>
<p class="subtitle">If you previously received a bankruptcy discharge, federal law may prevent you from receiving another one in a Chapter 7 case. <a href="https://727a8.com" title="Section 727 Chapter 7 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 727</a>(a)(8) imposes an 8-year bar after a prior Chapter 7 or 11 discharge. <a href="https://727a8.com" title="Section 727 Chapter 7 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 727</a>(a)(9) imposes a 6-year bar after a prior Chapter 12 or 13 discharge, with exceptions for substantial repayment. These are the longest discharge bars in the Bankruptcy Code.</p>
<h2>What Sections 727(a)(8) and 727(a)(9) do</h2>
<p>Both provisions are <strong>discharge bars</strong>, not filing bars. They do not prevent you from filing a new Chapter 7 case. You can file, you will receive an <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a>, and a trustee will administer your case. But the court will deny your discharge at the end -- meaning your debts survive the bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Filing a Chapter 7 case when you are ineligible for discharge is usually a waste of time and money. Your non-exempt assets can still be liquidated by the trustee to pay creditors, but you get no <a href="https://bankruptcyfreshstart.org" title="Fresh Start After Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fresh start</a> in return.</p>
<div class="statute-box">
<div class="label">11 U.S.C. Section 727(a)(8)</div>
<p>The court shall grant the debtor a discharge, unless ... the debtor has been granted a discharge under this section [Chapter 7], or under section 1141 [Chapter 11] of this title, in a case commenced within 8 years before the date of the filing of the petition.</p>
</div>
<div class="statute-box">
<div class="label">11 U.S.C. Section 727(a)(9)</div>
<p>The court shall grant the debtor a discharge, unless ... the debtor has been granted a discharge under section 1228 [Chapter 12] or 1328 [Chapter 13] of this title ... in a case commenced within 6 years before the date of the filing of the petition, unless payments under the plan in such case totaled not less than -- (A) 100 percent of the allowed unsecured claims in such case; or (B)(i) 70 percent of such claims; and (ii) the plan was proposed by the debtor in good faith, and was the debtor's best effort.</p>
</div>
<h2>The time bars at a glance</h2>
<table>
<tr>
<th scope="col">Prior discharge under</th>
<th scope="col">New case under</th>
<th scope="col">Waiting period</th>
<th scope="col">Statute</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chapter 7</td>
<td>Chapter 7</td>
<td style="color:var(--red)">8 years</td>
<td>727(a)(8)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chapter 11</td>
<td>Chapter 7</td>
<td style="color:var(--red)">8 years</td>
<td>727(a)(8)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chapter 13</td>
<td>Chapter 7</td>
<td style="color:var(--yellow)">6 years*</td>
<td>727(a)(9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chapter 12</td>
<td>Chapter 7</td>
<td style="color:var(--yellow)">6 years*</td>
<td>727(a)(9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chapter 7</td>
<td>Chapter 13</td>
<td>4 years</td>
<td><a href="explainer.html">1328(f)(1)</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chapter 13</td>
<td>Chapter 13</td>
<td>2 years</td>
<td><a href="explainer.html">1328(f)(2)</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p style="font-size:14px;color:var(--text-muted);">* The 6-year bar under 727(a)(9) has two exceptions -- see below.</p>
<h2>How to calculate the 8-year period</h2>
<p>The 8-year clock under <a href="https://727a8.com" title="Section 727 Chapter 7 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 727</a>(a)(8) runs <strong>from filing date to filing date</strong>. This is a critical distinction that trips up many people, including some attorneys:</p>
<ul>
<li>The clock <strong>starts</strong> on the date the prior case was <strong>filed</strong> (not the date the discharge was entered)</li>
<li>The clock <strong>ends</strong> on the date the new case is <strong>filed</strong> (not the date you consult an attorney or decide to refile)</li>
</ul>
<div class="example-box">
<div class="label">Example</div>
<p><strong>Prior Chapter 7 filed:</strong> March 15, 2018<br>
<strong>Prior discharge entered:</strong> June 20, 2018<br>
<strong>Earliest new Chapter 7 filing for discharge:</strong> March 15, 2026</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:0">The discharge date (June 2018) is irrelevant. The 8-year clock starts from the filing date (March 2018). Filing on March 14, 2026 would result in denial of discharge. Filing on March 15, 2026 or later is eligible.</p>
</div>
<div class="warning-box">
<div class="label">Common mistake</div>
<p>Some debtors and attorneys count 8 years from the discharge date instead of the filing date. This error can add 3 to 6 months to the waiting period unnecessarily. In the example above, counting from the discharge date would mean waiting until June 2026 -- three months longer than required. Always count from filing date to filing date.</p>
</div>
<h2>The 727(a)(9) exceptions</h2>
<p>The 6-year bar after a Chapter 13 or Chapter 12 discharge has two exceptions. If either is met, the bar does not apply and you can receive a Chapter 7 discharge without waiting 6 years:</p>
<h3>Exception 1: 100% plan</h3>
<p>If the prior <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chapter 13 plan</a> paid <strong>100% of all allowed unsecured claims</strong>, the 6-year bar does not apply. This is straightforward -- if every unsecured creditor who filed an allowed claim was paid in full through the plan, you are free to file Chapter 7 immediately after the Chapter 13 discharge.</p>
<h3>Exception 2: 70% plan with good faith and best effort</h3>
<p>If the prior <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chapter 13 plan</a> paid <strong>at least 70% of allowed unsecured claims</strong>, AND the plan was <strong>proposed in good faith</strong>, AND the plan represented the debtor's <strong>best effort</strong>, the 6-year bar does not apply.</p>
<p>This exception requires satisfying all three conditions. Courts examine whether:</p>
<ul>
<li>The debtor committed all projected disposable income to the plan</li>
<li>The plan was not structured to minimize payments while preserving assets</li>
<li>The debtor did not hide income or assets during the Chapter 13 case</li>
<li>The debtor made genuine efforts to maximize payments to creditors</li>
</ul>
<div class="green-box">
<div class="label">Practical impact</div>
<p>Most Chapter 13 plans pay far less than 70% to unsecured creditors. Nationally, the median <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chapter 13 plan</a> pays unsecured creditors between 0% and 10%. This means the 727(a)(9) exceptions rarely apply in practice. Most debtors coming out of a Chapter 13 discharge will need to wait 6 years before receiving a Chapter 7 discharge.</p>
</div>
<h2>What 727(a)(8) does NOT do</h2>
<p>Several common misconceptions about the 8-year rule:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>It does not bar filing.</strong> You can file a Chapter 7 case at any time. The statute only bars <em>discharge</em>. (Compare with <a href="109g-filing-bar.html">Section 109(g)</a>, which bars filing entirely.)</li>
<li><strong>It does not bar Chapter 13.</strong> <a href="https://727a8.com" title="Section 727 Chapter 7 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 727</a>(a)(8) applies only to Chapter 7 discharges. If you received a Chapter 7 discharge and want to file again within 8 years, you can file a Chapter 13 and potentially receive a discharge after 4 years (under <a href="explainer.html">Section 1328(f)(1)</a>).</li>
<li><strong>It does not apply to dismissed cases.</strong> If your prior Chapter 7 case was <em>dismissed</em> (not discharged), <a href="https://727a8.com" title="Section 727 Chapter 7 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 727</a>(a)(8) does not apply. The bar requires a prior <em>discharge</em>. A dismissed case produces no discharge.</li>
<li><strong>It does not apply to denied discharges.</strong> If your prior Chapter 7 discharge was denied (for fraud, concealment, or other reasons under 727(a)(2)-(7)), no discharge was "granted" and the 8-year bar does not apply to a subsequent case.</li>
<li><strong>It does not affect the automatic stay.</strong> Even if you file a Chapter 7 case that is subject to the 727(a)(8) bar, you receive the full <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a> (unless reduced by <a href="109g-filing-bar.html">Sections 362(c)(3) or 362(c)(4)</a> for serial filings).</li>
</ul>
<h2>Chapter 20: The strategic sequence</h2>
<p>A "Chapter 20" is not a chapter of the Bankruptcy Code -- it is an informal term for filing a Chapter 7 case followed by a Chapter 13 case (7 + 13 = 20). This sequence is sometimes used strategically because:</p>
<ol>
<li>The Chapter 7 case discharges unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans)</li>
<li>The Chapter 13 case (filed after the Chapter 7 discharge) addresses secured debt arrearages (mortgage, car loan) through a <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repayment plan</a></li>
<li>Under <a href="explainer.html">Section 1328(f)(1)</a>, a Chapter 13 discharge is barred for 4 years after a Chapter 7 filing -- but the debtor may not need a Chapter 13 discharge if the goal is simply to cure arrearages through the plan</li>
</ol>
<div class="warning-box">
<div class="label">Limitation</div>
<p>If you file Chapter 13 within 4 years of a Chapter 7 filing, you cannot receive a Chapter 13 discharge. Your <a href="https://chapter13plan.org" title="Chapter 13 Repayment Plan -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chapter 13 plan</a> payments will be distributed to creditors, but any debts remaining at the end of the plan will not be discharged. This matters if your Chapter 13 plan pays less than 100% of claims. Courts are split on whether a no-discharge Chapter 13 plan can still strip junior liens or modify secured claims.</p>
</div>
<h2>All discharge bars compared</h2>
<table>
<tr>
<th scope="col">Prior case</th>
<th scope="col">New Chapter 7</th>
<th scope="col">New Chapter 13</th>
<th scope="col">New Chapter 11</th>
<th scope="col">New Chapter 12</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ch. 7 discharge</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--red)">8 years (727(a)(8))</td>
<td style="color:var(--yellow)">4 years (1328(f)(1))</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ch. 11 discharge</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--red)">8 years (727(a)(8))</td>
<td style="color:var(--yellow)">4 years (1328(f)(1))</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ch. 13 discharge</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--yellow)">6 years* (727(a)(9))</td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">2 years (1328(f)(2))</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ch. 12 discharge</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--yellow)">6 years* (727(a)(9))</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--text-muted)">No bar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Dismissed (any ch.)</strong></td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">No bar</td>
<td style="color:var(--green)">No bar</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p style="font-size:14px;color:var(--text-muted);">* Exceptions for 100% plans or 70%+ good-faith best-effort plans. All periods measured filing date to filing date.</p>
<div class="red-box">
<div class="label">Key insight</div>
<p>There is no <a href="https://dischargebar.org" title="Bankruptcy Discharge Bar -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discharge bar</a> for filing Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 after any prior discharge. The time bars under 727(a)(8)/(9) and <a href="explainer.html">1328(f)</a> apply only to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 discharges respectively. A debtor who received a Chapter 7 discharge last year could file a Chapter 11 case tomorrow and be eligible for discharge.</p>
</div>
<h2>Who can raise the objection?</h2>
<p>A discharge objection under <a href="https://727a8.com" title="Section 727 Chapter 7 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 727</a>(a)(8) or (a)(9) is not self-executing. Someone must raise it:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The U.S. Trustee</strong> -- Has a statutory duty to review cases for discharge eligibility and routinely objects when the time bar applies</li>
<li><strong>The Chapter 7 Trustee</strong> -- May object as part of case administration</li>
<li><strong>Any creditor</strong> -- Can file a complaint objecting to discharge under Section 727(a)</li>
<li><strong>The court</strong> -- Some courts raise the issue sua sponte (on their own), particularly when PACER records make the prior discharge obvious</li>
</ul>
<p>The objection must be filed before the deadline set by Bankruptcy Rule 4004(a) -- generally 60 days after the first date set for the Section 341 <a href="https://341meeting.org" title="341 Meeting of Creditors -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">meeting of creditors</a>. If no one objects within the deadline, the discharge may be entered even if the debtor was technically ineligible. However, a discharge entered in violation of 727(a)(8) can potentially be revoked under Section 727(d).</p>
<div class="warning-box">
<div class="label">Practical reality</div>
<p>The U.S. Trustee's office catches most 727(a)(8) violations through automated case screening. But the system is not perfect. Our <a href="index.html">national screener</a> has identified cases where debtors received discharges despite apparent 727(a)(8) bars -- suggesting that objection deadlines passed without action. These cases raise questions about whether the existing screening process has gaps.</p>
</div>
<h2>If you are inside the waiting period</h2>
<p>If 8 years have not passed since your prior Chapter 7 filing, you have several options:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Wait.</strong> If you are close to the 8-year mark, waiting may be the simplest path. Calculate your exact eligibility date (8 years from the prior filing date) and file on or after that date.</li>
<li><strong>File Chapter 13 instead.</strong> The 727(a)(8) bar applies only to Chapter 7 discharges. You may be eligible for a Chapter 13 discharge after a shorter waiting period (4 years from a prior Chapter 7 filing under <a href="explainer.html">Section 1328(f)(1)</a>, or 2 years from a prior Chapter 13 filing under <a href="https://section1328.org" title="Section 1328 Discharge -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Section 1328</a>(f)(2)).</li>
<li><strong>File Chapter 7 without discharge.</strong> In rare situations, a debtor may benefit from a Chapter 7 filing even without a discharge -- for example, if the goal is to trigger the <a href="https://automaticstay.org" title="Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy -- Open Bankruptcy Project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">automatic stay</a> for a specific purpose. This is unusual and requires careful analysis.</li>
<li><strong>Do nothing.</strong> If your debts are manageable or you have other options (negotiation, state exemptions, judgment-proof status), bankruptcy may not be necessary.</li>
</ol>
<div class="cta-box">
<p>Check whether a prior case affects your eligibility for discharge.</p>
<a href="check.html">Use the Eligibility Checker</a>
</div>
<h2>Related resources</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="explainer.html">Section 1328(f) Explained</a> -- The Chapter 13 discharge time bars</li>
<li><a href="109g-filing-bar.html">Section 109(g) Filing Bar</a> -- The 180-day bar that blocks filing entirely</li>
<li><a href="discharge-bar.html">Discharge Bar Overview</a> -- All BAPCPA discharge waiting periods</li>
<li><a href="can-i-file-bankruptcy-again.html">Can I File Bankruptcy Again?</a> -- Time limits and eligibility 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 discharge bar</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/11/727">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><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/rules/frbp/rule4004">Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4004</a> -- Grant or denial of discharge</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">All discharge bars explained</a>, <a href="can-i-file-bankruptcy-again.html">Can I file again?</a>, <a href="how-long-between-bankruptcies.html">Waiting periods between filings</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://727a8.com" style="color:#58a6ff;font-weight:600">727a8.com</a> -- dedicated Section 727(a)(8) discharge 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="/109g-filing-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">109(g) Filing Bar</a> <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="/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>