What is the Automatic Stay?
The filing of the petition creates an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. §362 prohibiting all collection actions. 11 U.S.C. §§ 301, 302, 101(42) – unless the Debtor has filed a prior bankruptcy in the last 12 months. Stay good for only 30 days if filed one prior case in last 12 months. §362(c)(3)(A). No stay at all if 2 or more cases in last 12 months. §362(c)(4)(A)(i) A dismissed case is a filed case. No excuse for failure to understand the requirements.
The filing of the petition creates an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. §362 prohibiting all collection actions. 11 U.S.C. §§ 301, 302, 101(42) – unless the Debtor has filed a prior bankruptcy in the last 12 months. The automatic stay is good for only 30 days if that Debtor has filed one prior case in last 12 months. §362(c)(3)(A). If the Debtor wants to extend the automatic stay they must file a motion to extend the Stay immediately after filing the bankruptcy. There is no automatic stay if the Debtor has filed 2 or more cases in last 12 months. §362(c)(4)(A)(i) A dismissed case is a filed case. There is no excuse for a Debtor’s failure to understand these limitations.
The filing of a petition under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 “automatically stays” most actions against the debtor of the debtor’s property. 11 U.S.C. § 362. This stay arises by operation of law and requires no judicial action. As long as the stay is in effect, creditors generally cannot initiate or continue any lawsuits, wage garnishments, or even telephone calls demanding payments. Creditors normally receive notice of the filing of the petition from the clerk.
Upon the filing of a bankruptcy a “stay” goes into effect which prohibits creditors from taking or continuing most actions to collect money or property from the debtor. See Bankruptcy Code sec. 362. A creditor wishing to proceed with action against the debtor or its property must obtain permission from the Court, or face a potential claim for damages, including costs and attorney’s fees, and, in appropriate circumstances, punitive damages. Creditors who are uncertain of their rights should seek legal advice.
