How to Stop Foreclosure in Memphis, Tennessee

Filing bankruptcy can immediately stop foreclosure in Memphis through an automatic stay issued by the bankruptcy court. Once a bankruptcy case is filed in the Western District of Tennessee, foreclosure actions must pause, giving homeowners time to catch up on missed payments or explore long-term solutions.

How Foreclosure Works in Tennessee

Tennessee is a non-judicial foreclosure state, meaning lenders can foreclose without filing a lawsuit in many cases. This often results in:

• Short notice periods
• Limited warning before a sale
• Fewer opportunities to stop foreclosure without court intervention

How Bankruptcy Stops Foreclosure in Memphis

When you file bankruptcy:

• The court issues an automatic stay
• All foreclosure actions must stop immediately
• Scheduled foreclosure sales are paused

This protection applies whether the foreclosure is days or weeks away.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Foreclosure

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the most common way to stop foreclosure permanently.

Chapter 13 allows Memphis homeowners to:

• Catch up on missed mortgage payments over 3–5 years
• Resume regular monthly mortgage payments
• Stop foreclosure while under court protection

(Internal link anchor: Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Memphis)

Can Chapter 7 Stop Foreclosure?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stop foreclosure temporarily, but it does not provide a repayment plan to catch up on missed payments.

Chapter 7 may be appropriate if:

• You plan to surrender the property
• The foreclosure is needed to buy time
• You want to eliminate other debts

(Internal link anchor: Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Memphis)

How Quickly Does Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure?

Foreclosure stops immediately upon filing. In many cases, foreclosure sales scheduled within days can be halted if the bankruptcy is filed in time.

Will Foreclosure Resume After Bankruptcy?

• In Chapter 13, foreclosure remains stopped as long as plan payments are made
• In Chapter 7, foreclosure may resume after the case if payments are not brought current

Other Ways to Stop Foreclosure

Alternatives may include:

• Loan modification
• Forbearance agreements
• Repayment plans

However, bankruptcy offers the strongest and most immediate legal protection.

Memphis Bankruptcy Court Information

Foreclosure actions are stopped when a bankruptcy case is filed with the:

United States Bankruptcy Court
Western District of Tennessee
Serving Shelby County

Should I Contact a Bankruptcy Lawyer Immediately?

Because foreclosure timelines move quickly in Tennessee, many homeowners seek legal help to ensure bankruptcy protection is filed before a foreclosure sale occurs.

Written by:
Tennessee bankruptcy attorney representing Memphis and Shelby County homeowners.

^*For those who qualify under federal law.