Can a bankruptcy stop a foreclosure?

 In most cases, filing for bankruptcy will trigger the automatic stay provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. The automatic stay prevents a party from starting or continuing a foreclosure proceeding; this means that all activity on the foreclosure case must stop. Filing for bankruptcy will not cause the foreclosure proceeding to be automatically dismissed. Once the bankruptcy case is resolved (closed, dismissed, or discharge granted or denied) or the bankruptcy stay is vacated, the foreclosure proceeding will pick up where it left off before the automatic stay took effect. The defendant should consult an attorney who can evaluate the defendant's circumstances and help him determine whether it is in his best interest to file for bankruptcy.