Remedies for violation of the automatic stay?

[BigFerb]

What are the available remedies when a creditor violates the automatic stay, e.g., by continuing to attempt to collect on debts listed on Schedule F of a Chapter 13 filing, or by continuing to take automatic payments to apply toward a debt listed on the same Schedule F?

In other words, is there any force behind the automatic stay?

Thanks.

[ccsjoe]

I don't know CH13, I know CH7 there is force, I can sue violators for each individual violation for an XX amount...It's on some other threads here, likely under collections. But it stands to reason if I can defend under 7 there's also gotta be some teeth under 13.

[HHM]

Yes, you can file a contempt action for violation of the automatic stay in chapter 13 and chapter 7 (assuming the creditor is on notice of the BK).