Yes. When you file bankruptcy, federal law imposes an “automatic stay” which prohibits your creditors from taking any action (including phone calls) to collect debts from you including court judgments and tax debts during the pendency of the bankruptcy. For instance, if you have been served by one of your creditors to appear in court over a debt, the bankruptcy filing will stop this lawsuit in its tracks. Any wage garnishments or repossession efforts are also halted, no appearances necessary. However, once the bankruptcy is over, a creditor holding a claim that was not discharged may proceed to collect on the debt.
Also, under some circumstances, a secured creditor may proceed to collect on the property securing a lien during the bankruptcy proceeding, but may only do so by filing a court motion and by getting the approval of the bankruptcy court first.
Any violation the automatic stay may give rise to a complaint for damages against the collection party.
