Bankruptcy Basics: Prior Bankruptcies.
The debtor must provide information concerning any bankruptcy cases filed within the previous eight years, and any already pending bankruptcy cases filed by a spouse or other affiliated person. In limited situations, a prior bankruptcy may preclude filing a new case. In addition, dismissal of a prior case may result in certain limitations on the automatic stay if a new case is filed within one year after the dismissal. The availability of a discharge may also be limited if a discharge was received in a relevant previous case.