Phoenix Bankruptcy Lawyers: Automatic Stay

Bankruptcy Stops Collection Activities, Lawsuits and Harassment

Many people with significant debts are harassed for payment by creditors. They may be facing judgments, repossession or other collection actions. Filing personal bankruptcy invokes an automatic stay, putting an end to creditor harassment and judgments while the debtor and his or her lawyer work through the bankruptcy agreement.

The automatic stay is an injunction against many actions, including:

• Repossession of your vehicle
• Eviction
• Foreclosure
• Creditor harassment
• Wage garnishment and other judgment actions

Violation of the injunction is not to be tolerated. If a collection agency fails to abide by the rules of the automatic stay, you may sue them. The Phoenix bankruptcy attorneys of Platt & Westby, P.C., have been helping people since 1973. We will work to ensure your rights are protected while you take the steps toward a fresh start.

Limitations of the Bankruptcy Automatic Stay

The bankruptcy automatic stay does not stop or end a debtor's obligation to certain payments, including:

• Tax proceedings: While some income taxes are dischargeable through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the IRS may still file a Federal tax lien to collect on some taxes owed. It is best to speak with an experienced professional regarding your obligations to pay tax debt when filing bankruptcy.
• Criminal penalties: You are still required to serve criminal punishment, such as probation or community service, despite filing personal bankruptcy.
• Support obligations: Filing bankruptcy does not stop your obligation to pay child support or spousal support (alimony).
• Student loans: In most cases, student loans are not dischargeable debts. You will be required to pay them back even after the bankruptcy filing is complete.

Contact Our Glendale Creditor Harassment Attorneys

If you have questions concerning the bankruptcy automatic stay and how it can stop harassing phone calls and other creditor actions, contact our bankruptcy law firm. Our Phoenix bankruptcy attorneys will meet with you in a free consultation to discuss your options for financial relief.

We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. The information contained in this message is general and should not substitute for the advice and counsel of an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

Bankruptcy costs are one of the best bargains in law, starting with a $750 retainer. The fixed fee of a case will be discussed in a free case evaluation conference.