What is an Automatic Stay in Bankruptcy?

An Automatic Stay gives the debtor a breathing spell from creditors. It becomes effective immediately when Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is filed.
It prohibits: lawsuits, collection calls, repossessions, foreclosure sales, and wage garnishment.

In Chapter 7, the automatic stay remains in effect until the debtor gets a discharge (a few months).

In Chapter 13, the automatic stay remains in effect for the life of the payment plan (3 or 5 years).