Exceptions to the Bankruptcy Automatic Stay

As a general rule when a bankruptcy is filed the commencement or continuation of lawsuits or collection matters against the debtor are automatically stopped. However, there are exceptions where the matter can continue. For example, a criminal action is not stopped by a bankruptcy. Nor is a suit to establish paternity, establish support or establish visitation. Audits by the IRS or a demand for tax returns are also not stayed. However the government entity is stopped from collecting the debt while the debtor is in bankruptcy. The automatic stay that takes effect when a bankruptcy is filed stops most kinds of legal actions against the debtor, but keep in mind that it does not stop all of them.