The Automatic Stay

Put a stop to harassing phone calls from creditors with help from our Olympia bankruptcy lawyers.

After falling behind on bills, it doesn’t take long for creditors to start calling. At first, they may seem understanding, but that quickly changes after a few months go by. If you’re doing your best to get caught up, the constant harassment can be embarrassing and stressful. They may even start calling your place of work or family members, which is nothing more than an attempt to pressure you into paying them money you simply don’t have. Eventually, you may feel anxiety every time you hear the phone ring.

Our Olympia bankruptcy attorneys understand the pressure you’re feeling. We also know that as long as you owe creditors money, they will never stop trying to collect. After a few months, they may even sell your debt to a collection agency, which are companies that utilize all sorts of unscrupulous tactics to force you into paying off the debt. Is there any way to stop the harassing phone calls so that you can enjoy some peace in your life?

Our Thurston County debt relief lawyers not only serve Olympia, but all surrounding cities as well. These include but are not limited to the residents of Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Rainier, and Rochester.

The automatic stay is the answer you’ve been looking for when it comes to harassing creditors.

When you file for bankruptcy in the State of Washington, something called “The Automatic Stay” goes into effect. Bill collectors and creditors are no longer allowed to contact you in any way. If they attempt to call you, they are breaking the law. You won’t have to worry about phone calls to your home or place of employment, and you don’t have to wait until a judge makes a decision regarding your bankruptcy. Some people may even be able to benefit from the automatic stay without qualifying for a discharge of debt.

Not only does the automatic stay stop harassing phone calls, it also puts a stop to wage garnishment, repossessions, credit card debt, medical bill debt, and foreclosures. You can put a stop to the harassment by contacting one of our Thurston County bankruptcy lawyers today for a free consultation.

The many benefits of the automatic stay.

When the automatic stay goes into effect, almost all debt collection stops. This includes debt that ultimately cannot be discharged, like student loans. Child support payments and certain fines may not be covered by the automatic stay, but the amount of relief you will experience is still significant.

One of the greatest benefits of the automatic stay is that creditors cannot contact you. You won’t have to live in constant fear of your phone ringing. If a creditor does try to contact you, simply call your Olympia bankruptcy lawyer and they will handle it.

Olympia, Washington Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy and you.

Olympia is a prosperous city with endless opportunity. It’s also a great place to start a business, and the City of Olympia municipal website has a ton of great information about obtaining a business license, which is required by the city. No matter how successful you are, however, unforeseen circumstances can cause you to miss work and fall behind on bills. When this happens, you may fall so far behind that there is no possible way to get caught up. Bankruptcy law exists to help you get back on your feet financially when there just aren’t any other options.

As an Olympia resident, your bankruptcy case will be heard in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington. There are two court locations; Seattle and Tacoma. After filing, you will have a Meeting with Creditors, which is held in a different location depending on where you live. For more information about this meeting, follow this link to the bankruptcy court website.

Does the automatic stay apply to secured debt?

While filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges all unsecured debt, you still need to stay up to date on all secured debt to fully benefit from the automatic stay. When filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, all debt is consolidated into a monthly payment plan, which may include car payments and your home mortgage payment. You must stay current on these payments while maintaining insurance so that your creditor’s interests are secured.

How long does the automatic stay last after I file for bankruptcy?

Once your debt is discharged, you no longer need the automatic stay because the debt is entirely eliminated. However, some debt can’t be discharged including student loans and some taxes. When you file Chapter 13, the automatic stay is in effect throughout the duration of your consolidation plan, even if you are making payments on secured debt.

Contact one of our Olympia bankruptcy attorneys now for a free consultation.

You don’t have to let debt control your life. Put a stop to the harassment with help from our Olympia bankruptcy lawyers by contacting us today for a free consultation.

(360) 350-4830