- To Stop Garnishment and Avoid Liens
Most debts must be reduced to a judgment through a lawsuit before they can be collected through garnishment or lien. Certain governmental agencies collecting taxes and student loans can create liens against Debtor property and garnish Debtor wages without first filing suit. Hospitals can create liens without first filing suit. Most other debts must be reduced to a judgment prior to garnishment.
The filing of a bankruptcy stops collection of debts through garnishment and in many cases can result in the avoidance of any liens against property.
The filing of a bankruptcy stops any further action in a lawsuit unless the creditor is able to obtain relief from the automatic stay. This relief is not easily obtained and in most instances the lawsuit will be stayed until the debt is discharged in bankruptcy. Upon discharge, the lawsuit will have to be dismissed.