When a bankruptcy case is filed the Court usually issues an injunction prohibiting creditors from attempting to collect money or assets from the debtor or from the bankruptcy estate.  The goal is to bring all matters involving the case into one place, the bankruptcy court.  This injunction has the effect of a court order and is enforceable under contempt of court.  If one or more previous cases have been dismissed within the past year, certain steps must be taken by the debtor to obtain the automatic stay or to extend it for the duration of the case.