The filing of a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case automatically halts just about all collections and legal proceedings against a person.  Within a few days the court will mail a notice to creditors to halt all further collection efforts.  this is called the bankruptcy stay.  Any creditor who violates the automatic stay can be held in contempt of Court and be liable to the person filing for damages.  Certain actions are not stayed, such as criminal proceedings and actions to collect domestic support obligations.  If you have questions in this regard, please feel free to call Attorney Mark O. Grater located in Groton, CT, New London County at 860-449-8059 or go to his Web cite at www.graterlaw.com.