Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings have provided relief for many people over the years. In 2025, for example, 333,321 people successfully filed for Chapter 7.
Not every bankruptcy petition is approved, however, so it’s vital to understand some of the things that could prevent yours from being accepted if you are looking to file.
1. Filing a subsequent petition too soon
If you have previously used bankruptcy to extricate yourself from a difficult financial situation, certain waiting periods apply before you can file again. Filing for Chapter 7 requires an eight-year wait after a previous Chapter 7 or a six-year wait after a Chapter 13.
2. Not being entirely transparent
You’ll need to present an accurate account of your finances when applying for Chapter 7.
Remember, with Chapter 7, you must pass the means test first, and some people simply won’t pass due to their income level being too high (even if they are deep in debt). In addition, the court expects a full disclosure of all your financial information. Omitting anything from your petition can lead to significant issues and further legal problems.
3. Failing to follow every step of the process
There are multiple steps in a bankruptcy, and you need to complete each one in the correct order. For example, you are expected to complete a credit counseling course before filing for Chapter 7. If you forgo this step, your petition won’t be accepted.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, it is wise to seek legal guidance to help you avoid errors that could harm your prospects of success.