Can filing bankruptcy stop bill collectors from calling?
After you file your bankruptcy petition, an automatic stay prevents bill collectors from taking any action to collect debts. The court notifies all the creditors listed in your bankruptcy schedules that they must immediately stop all collection efforts; this usually takes a couple of weeks. Creditors should also stop calling if you inform them that you filed the bankruptcy petition and supply them with your case number. In some cases, you or your attorney should contact the creditor immediately upon filing the bankruptcy petition, especially if a law suit is pending. If a creditor continues to use collection tactics once informed of the bankruptcy they may be liable for court sanctions and attorney fees for this conduct.
