Filing for bankruptcy is meant to give you relief—not more stress. Once your case is filed, the court issues what’s known as an automatic stay, a powerful legal protection that forces creditors and debt collectors to stop all collection efforts immediately.

This includes phone calls, letters, lawsuits, garnishments, and even text messages. Yet, some collectors continue to contact people illegally, assuming most consumers won’t fight back. That’s where Sheehan & Ramsey steps in.

Our consumer rights attorneys in Ocean Springs, Mississippi know how to stop unlawful harassment and hold creditors accountable when they break the law.

⚖️ The Automatic Stay: Your Shield Against Creditor Harassment

The automatic stay is one of the most important benefits of filing for bankruptcy. It takes effect the moment your petition is filed and prohibits:

• Phone calls and text messages from collectors
• Wage garnishments and bank levies
• Foreclosure or repossession efforts
• Collection letters or lawsuits

Collectors who violate the automatic stay can face serious legal penalties, including fines and payment of your attorney fees. These rules apply whether you filed for Chapter 7, Chapter 13, or Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

🚫 Why Creditors Keep Calling — and Why It’s Illegal

Sometimes collectors claim they “didn’t know” about your bankruptcy filing. In other cases, they deliberately ignore it. Either way, continued contact after being notified is a violation of federal law.

When this happens, you may have a valid claim under:

• The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
• The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
• The Bankruptcy Code’s automatic stay provisions

These laws are designed to protect consumers from harassment, intimidation, and illegal debt collection tactics. If a collector continues to call, you can take action — and you may be entitled to compensation.

🧾 What to Do If Collectors Keep Contacting You

If debt collectors won’t stop calling after you’ve filed bankruptcy, follow these steps:

1. Document Everything.
   Write down the date, time, and content of every call, message, or letter. This evidence is crucial in proving a violation.
2. Do Not Engage in Arguments.
   Politely inform the caller that you’ve filed for bankruptcy, provide your attorney’s contact information, and end the conversation.
3. Notify Your Attorney Immediately.
   Forward any communications you receive after filing to your bankruptcy attorney. They can contact the creditor directly or file a motion for sanctions.
4. File a Complaint.
   In some cases, your attorney may file a complaint in bankruptcy court or under the FDCPA to recover damages for emotional distress, legal costs, and punitive penalties.

💪 How Sheehan & Ramsey Protects Your Rights

At Sheehan & Ramsey, we don’t just handle bankruptcy filings — we defend your rights after the filing, too. Our attorneys are trained to recognize when creditors cross the line, and we know how to take them to court when they do.

Our legal team helps Mississippi clients:

• Enforce the automatic stay and stop all contact immediately
• File actions against collectors who violate the law
• Seek damages and compensation for harassment or emotional distress
• Restore peace of mind during and after bankruptcy

You’ve worked hard to regain control of your finances — we’ll make sure no one takes that away.