Close

Automatic Stay in Olympia

The "Automatic Stay" and why it's so helpful

Phone calls from creditors usually start soon after a person falls behind on their bills. If their financial problems multiply and bills continue to go unpaid, it can lead to unrelenting harassment from debt collectors. Collection agencies will call them at home or work, and may even say that filing for bankruptcy will cause their credit to be ruined forever.

Our Olympia bankruptcy attorneys have seen firsthand how this incessant aggravation can affect a person's self worth and make them feel like their situation is hopeless. If you're being harassed by debt collectors for unpaid bills and have no money to pay them, you can put a stop to the phone calls and eliminate your debt with a single decisive action.

Immediately after filing in bankruptcy court in Washington, an automatic stay injunction takes effect, and it stops all attempts by creditors to collect on debt. They are also no longer allowed to call you, send you a letter, or threaten you in any way, and even wage garnishments are stopped.

You don't have to wait for a judge to render a decision on your bankruptcy petition to enjoy the many benefits of the automatic stay. You may not even have to ultimately qualify for a discharge of debt to experience these advantages.

The automatic stay stops all debt collection in Washington State, including car repossessions, home foreclosures, medical bills, credit card debt, and pay day loans. Fight back against the unfeeling business practices of debt collection agencies with help from our team of Olympia bankruptcy attorneys. Contact our professional law office in Thurston County today, and take advantage of the automatic stay injunction.

The automatic stay is the first step toward financial peace of mind
  • The automatic stay stops harassing phone calls, debt collections, and wage garnishment
  • If a debt collector violates the automatic stay, you may be entitled to compensation for lawyer's fees, and punitive damages
  • The automatic stay usually does not apply to child support and certain fines in Washington
  • The automatic stay injunction is a powerful legal tool that can help you get a fresh financial start, and our Olympia bankruptcy attorneys can help you use it

Watching debt grow until it's out of control is stressful, but if debt collectors start harassing you for payment when you don't have money to spare, it may be time to take drastic action. Filing for bankruptcy may be the best way for you to achieve lasting financial relief, so contact our Olympia law office to find out how easy it is to file for bankruptcy.

When your Thurston County lawyer files your bankruptcy case, the automatic stay injunction is automatic. It immediately stops the constant aggravation, and starts the process of discharging your debt. Hit the financial reset button with help from our team of professional Olympia debt relief lawyers.

The automatic stay, secured debt, and how it affects you

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy usually results in the discharge of all unsecured debt. In situations that involve secured debt, which are loans backed up by collateral, you must maintain payments in order to protect the property used as collateral. With Chapter 13 bankruptcy, all secured debt is consolidated into a monthly payment plan, and some unsecured debt may be included. In either situation, property like automobiles and homes must remain insured so that the creditor has adequate protection in the security of their interest.

How long does the automatic stay last in Washington?

Once debt is discharged the automatic stay is no longer needed. A discharge permanently eliminates debt, and it usually takes less than 120 days in Chapter 7 bankruptcy for this to happen. With Chapter 13 bankruptcies, you are protected by the automatic stay throughout the full term of the bankruptcy as long as you maintain your payments. This term is three to five years, after which all remaining unsecured debt is discharged.

Contact our Olympia legal team for a free consultation today

Don't let debt collectors make you afraid to pick up your phone when it rings. Contact an Olympia bankruptcy lawyer today and find out more about the automatic stay via a free consultation. This powerful bankruptcy tool allows you to enjoy some peace of mind while putting an end to:

  • Wage garnishments
  • Phones calls
  • Repossessions
  • Foreclosures
  • Law suits
  • License suspensions
  • Placing a judgment lien on real estate
  • Perfecting any kind of lien

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Erin Lane is the best attorney I have met by far! I came to her during a very difficult time in my life. I was needing to file a bankruptcy. She was very kind, non-intimidating, and well-understood. She actually came across like a good friend. To this day I still remember and appreciate her (no-stressing approach) I deem Erin qualified for any position having to do with her knowledge in these types of legal matters! Keith D Wilson
Free Consultation