When the Bankruptcy Laws Changed in 2005, many people filed for Bankruptcy, afraid that they would not qualify under the new law. 25,498 filed for Bankruptcy in the Western District of Michigan in 2005. In comparison only 13,593 people filed in 2011. Many of the people who filed in 2005 found themselves in trouble, unable to file when the recession hit in 2008. Under the new rules you are allowed to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy every Eight Years. The Judges in Grand Rapids Michigan determine the 8 year period between filings from the date of last filing to the date of your most recent filing. So if you have been waiting to get out of new debt brought on by job loss or medical bills after a 2005 filing this year could be your chance at a second “Fresh Start Bankruptcy” via a Chapter 7 filing.
