A:Yes. The automatic stay is a federal injunction imposed with the filing of a bankruptcy (there are exceptions to this for two or more dismissed filings in the past 12 months.) Bankruptcy will immediately stop a wage garnishment (subject to a few limited exceptions.) With the advent of electronic filing, we can oftentimes obtain that stay immediately. In most cases where there is a garnishment or levy, your money will go to the sheriff before it goes to the judgment creditor. As a result, even if the money has left your paycheck or bank account, we can oftentimes have the money returned to you with a properly timed bankruptcy filing.