Declaring bankruptcy can be a complex but necessary step for individuals, businesses, and organizations in order to protect their financial assets and their stability. One way that filing for bankruptcy under chapter 7, 11, or 13 helps to protect a person or company from creditors is through the instant protection of an automatic stay. Upon filing a petition for certain chapters of bankruptcy, a notice is distributed regarding the petitioner's status which prevents creditors from moving forward with actions against that person.