The automatic stay is one of the most important features of contempory bankruptcy law. Under BRA s362, essentially all attempts to collect debts owing on the date a petition is filed are automatically enjoined. The stay extends to efforts by a creditor to improve its position by taking action allowed under state law to give the creditor special status, such as creating or making enforceable, a security interest in the property of the estate. Creditors who persist in their efforts to collect debts after a petition is filed may be held in contempt. Their only recourse is to await the termination of the bankruptcy or seek relief from the automatic stay.