The Automatic Stay is a restraining order that keeps creditors away from you and your property.

In most cases, once you file your case, the Automatic Stay immediately goes into effect automatically, hence the name. It means that a bankruptcy filing automatically stops, or stays, and brings to a halt most lawsuits, repossessions, foreclosures, evictions, garnishments, attachments, utility shut offs, and debt collection harassment. Generally, creditors cannot take any further action against you or your property without permission from the Bankruptcy Court.

They Stay is not automatic in all cases for people who are repeat filers, or the stay may not be permanent without further court action,

Bankruptcy Glossary