As soon as the bankruptcy petition is stamped “Relief Ordered” upon filing, you are immediately protected from your creditors.  This is called an automatic stay.   After that time, if a creditor attempts to collect a debt, immediately notify the creditor in writing that you have filed bankruptcy, and provide them with either the case name, number and filing date or a copy of the petition that shows it was filed.  If the creditor still continues to collect, you may be entitled to take legal action against them.