automatic stay and stopping collection

[mriowa]

What is the name of your state?iowa

I was served papers today from a creditors attorney to respond to and be given a time for a small claims hearing. I plan on filing for chapter 7 within the next week. According to the papers i have 20 days to respond. When i file will i be protected from a small claims hearing. and also when i file who do i contact to let know i filed on the account. The attorney or the clerk of courts. Please any help would be great.

 

[Ladynred]

Once you file for bankruptcy and they give you that Case #, the automatic stay drops into place. ALL collection activity MUST CEASE as of that minute, including any legal actions. Once you file and get your case number, call the court where the lawsuit was filed and tell the court clerk you have filed for bankruptcy and give him/her your BK case number. Then call the attorney who's suing you and tell him/her the same thing. The lawsuit will be dropped.