How do the new bankruptcy laws 2005 affect you? These new laws do put a number of limitations on individuals who are planning to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. First, if you have filed bankruptcy in the past, you must wait a full six years from the discharge date to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy again, though you may file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in as little as four years from a previous filing. In addition, the income that you make also plays a role in if you can file bankruptcy. If you make more than the median income for your area, you may be unable to file Chapter 7 and may have to file Chapter 13 first, or work through credit counseling first. In addition, you must obtain debtor education. Those who may not qualify for bankruptcy under the new laws may face repayment periods as long as five years.