Redlands Automatic Stay Lawyers
Helping Clients Rebuild Their Lives in San Bernardino County
When you're facing bankruptcy, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the implications of filing for bankruptcy. In addition to dealing with the immediate financial strain, you'll also have to deal with the lasting repercussions of the bankruptcy filing, including the automatic stay.
At Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham, we understand that the automatic stay can be a confusing and frustrating part of the bankruptcy process. That's why we offer our clients a wide range of services to help them navigate this difficult time. With our help, you can focus on rebuilding your life instead of worrying about the automatic stay.
To learn more about your automatic stay rights, call Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham at (909) 473-4948 today or contact us online.
What Is the Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy?
When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is immediately issued. This stay prevents the collection activities of your creditors, including lawsuits, wage garnishments, and repossessions.
The automatic stay is designed to give you the chance to get your finances back on track by restructuring your debts or eliminating your unsecured debts. The automatic stay will remain in effect until your bankruptcy case is either dismissed or you receive your discharge.
What Is the Purpose of the Automatic Stay?
The automatic stay was created to protect debtors from their creditors and give them a brief period of time to sort out their finances. It's designed to be in the debtor's best interest, which is why it's important to understand what you can and cannot do while the automatic stay is in effect.
Below are some things you cannot do while the automatic stay is in effect:
- You cannot take on new debt
- You cannot sell any of your assets
- You cannot change the terms of your property leases
- You cannot start or continue any pending lawsuits
- You cannot start or continue any pending divorce or child custody cases
- You cannot start or continue any pending vehicle repossessions
- You cannot start or continue any pending utility shut-off notices
These restrictions are in place to protect you from potentially harming your bankruptcy case. If you violate the automatic stay, you could face consequences.
How Do I Know If the Automatic Stay Is in Effect?
When you file for bankruptcy, the court will issue a notice of your bankruptcy. This notice will state the date your bankruptcy is filed and the automatic stay that goes into effect on that same day. You'll also receive a copy of this notice, which you should keep in a safe place.
The automatic stay will remain in effect until your bankruptcy case is either dismissed or you receive your discharge. If your bankruptcy is dismissed, the automatic stay will be lifted immediately and your creditors can resume their collection activities.
What Can I Do While the Automatic Stay Is in Effect?
While the automatic stay is in effect, you can focus on restructuring your debts or eliminating your unsecured debts. You can also seek to maintain your property by reaffirming your debts. If you reaffirm a debt, you'll be promising to repay the debt in order to keep your property.
You can also take advantage of the time the automatic stay provides by rebuilding your credit and seeking counseling. Our Redlands automatic stay lawyers at Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham can help you do all of this and more when you choose us to represent you.
How Can Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham Help?
The automatic stay can be a confusing and frustrating part of the bankruptcy process. That's why we offer our clients a wide range of services to help them navigate this difficult time. With our help, you can focus on rebuilding your life instead of worrying about the automatic stay.
Some of the services we offer include:
- Providing legal representation for your bankruptcy
- Helping you understand the automatic stay and what you can and cannot do while it's in effect
- Helping you reaffirm your debts if you want to keep your property
- Helping you avoid creditor harassment
- Helping you rebuild your credit
To learn more about your automatic stay rights, call Dolen, Tucker, Tierney & Abraham at (909) 473-4948 today or contact us online.
