7 Critical Steps Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office Recommends For Financial Freedom In 2025

The path to financial freedom is often complex and overwhelming, but as of this current date in late December 2025, the Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office (HBLO) continues to stand out as a beacon of hope for individuals and families across multiple states facing severe debt. Led by the experienced Attorney Michael Hollins, the firm has built a strong reputation for successfully discharging thousands of dollars in debt and providing more than just legal filings; they offer a comprehensive strategy for a true financial fresh start. This deep-dive article explores the firm's unique approach, its broad service areas, and the critical steps Michael Hollins recommends for navigating the modern debt landscape. The Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office does not treat debt as a simple legal problem; it views it as a financial crisis requiring tailored, empathetic, and strategic legal intervention. Operating with a wide reach, including key locations in Nashville, TN, Smyrna, TN, and serving clients across Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas (including the Dallas Fort-Worth area), the firm's expertise covers the nuances of state-specific bankruptcy laws, making them a versatile choice for complex debt relief cases. The firm's commitment to education, highlighted by its popular "Bankruptcy Attorney Talks" podcast, ensures clients are always informed about current events and financial strategies.

Attorney Michael Hollins: Biography and Professional Profile

Attorney Michael Gerome Hollins, Sr. is the principal and founding attorney of the Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office. He is a solo practitioner known for his unique and in-depth understanding of the financial and legal challenges faced by those in distress.

• Full Name: Michael Gerome Hollins, Sr.
• Firm Name: Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office (HBLO)
• Occupation: Private Law Practice, Solo Firm
• Primary Practice Area: Bankruptcy Law (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13)
• Key Expertise: Debt relief, credit repair, debt reduction, and financial education.
• Service Jurisdictions: Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas.
• Office Locations Mentioned: Nashville, TN (315 Deaderick St, #1550) and Smyrna, TN (99 N Lowry St).
• Bar Memberships: State Bar of Texas, Nashville Bar Association.
• Reputation: Highly regarded, with a 4.8-star rating from over 118 satisfied customers, praising the "smooth transition to a new beginning."
• Unique Outreach: Host of the "Bankruptcy Attorney Talks" podcast, where he discusses current events, finances, and strategic debt management.
• Special Services: Provides services for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community.

Hollins' approach is highly personal, focusing on transforming a client's financial future rather than just filing paperwork. This is evident in the firm's high client satisfaction and its reputation for providing expert legal guidance.

The Two Pillars of Debt Relief: Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13

The core of the Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office's service lies in guiding clients through the two primary forms of consumer bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Understanding the difference is the first critical step toward a resolution.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: The Liquidation Path

Chapter 7, often referred to as "liquidation bankruptcy," is designed for individuals with limited income who need to quickly eliminate most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. * Means Test: Eligibility for Chapter 7 is determined by the Means Test, which assesses the filer's income against the state's median income. * Automatic Stay: Upon filing, an Automatic Stay immediately goes into effect, halting most collection activities, including creditor lawsuits, wage garnishments, and harassing phone calls. * Exempt Assets: While the term "liquidation" is used, most filers are able to keep their essential property, known as Exempt Assets, which are protected under state and federal laws.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: The Reorganization Path

Chapter 13 is a "reorganization bankruptcy" ideal for debtors who have a steady income but need time to catch up on secured debts like mortgage payments or car loans, or for those whose income is too high to qualify for Chapter 7. * Repayment Plan: The filer proposes a structured Repayment Plan that spans three to five years, based on their disposable income. * Saving Your Home: Chapter 13 is an excellent strategy to keep a home, as it allows filers to stop foreclosure and cure past-due mortgage payments through the plan. * Tax Problems: Older income taxes may be discharged, and the plan can help manage tax problems by stopping penalties and interest while the debt is paid off. The choice between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 is a highly individualized decision that Attorney Hollins carefully navigates with each client, ensuring the chosen path aligns with their long-term financial goals and legal requirements.

7 Critical Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom in 2025

Based on the philosophy and advice championed by Michael Hollins through his law practice and the "Bankruptcy Attorney Talks" podcast, achieving true financial freedom requires a multi-faceted approach. These are the seven critical steps HBLO emphasizes for clients in Tennessee, Texas, and Michigan:

1. Initiate the Automatic Stay: The first and most crucial step is to file for bankruptcy to immediately trigger the Automatic Stay. This provides instant relief from creditor pressure and creates the necessary breathing room to plan the next steps.
2. Master the Means Test: If Chapter 7 is the goal, meticulously preparing for the Means Test is essential. This determines eligibility and requires accurate documentation of income, expenses, and household size.
3. Develop a Post-Filing Budget: Even before the discharge, the firm helps clients establish a new, sustainable budget. This prevents the cycle of debt from repeating and is a cornerstone of long-term Debt Reduction.
4. Prioritize Credit Repair: Following a bankruptcy, the focus shifts to Credit Repair. Hollins’ firm often guides clients on how to strategically rebuild their credit score, often starting with secured credit cards and monitoring their credit report for accuracy.
5. Evaluate Debt Management Alternatives: For those who may not qualify for or desire bankruptcy, HBLO provides context on alternative strategies. These include Debt Consolidation, where multiple debts are rolled into a single loan, or employing methods like the Debt Snowball Method or Debt Avalanche Method for targeted repayment.
6. Understand the Role of the Trustee: Clients are educated on the bankruptcy process, including the role of the Trustee and the "Meeting of Creditors." Transparency and preparation are key to a smooth process.
7. Commit to Financial Education: Michael Hollins strongly encourages continuous financial learning, often pointing to the topics discussed on his podcast—covering everything from Current Events impacting finances to strategic investment post-bankruptcy—to ensure clients maintain their Financial Freedom for good.

By taking a holistic approach that combines expert legal execution of Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 with robust post-bankruptcy financial education, the Hollins Bankruptcy Law Office ensures that clients don't just eliminate debt, but successfully transition to a "new beginning" with a solid foundation for the future. The firm's dedication to accessibility, including services for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, further solidifies its reputation as a compassionate and effective advocate for debt relief.

Detail Author:

• Name : Vernie Rutherford
• Username : mikel27
• Email : ltillman@schmitt.com
• Birthdate : 1992-07-31
• Address : 2899 Crooks Parkways Libbyberg, CT 11357-1814
• Phone : +1 (303) 940-7883
• Company : Muller-Runolfsdottir
• Job : Agricultural Manager
• Bio : Occaecati sed velit magni. Voluptas aspernatur neque sint et laudantium. Distinctio reprehenderit dolor laudantium possimus. In ullam soluta veritatis magni.

Socials

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/garfieldhessel
• username : garfieldhessel
• bio : Voluptates maxime sit dolor eos sed. Quis aspernatur vero eaque dicta possimus iure. Et sed reiciendis voluptatem aut at.
• followers : 4731
• following : 2221

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/garfield.hessel
• username : garfield.hessel
• bio : Adipisci enim ut consectetur. Voluptatum officia qui sint natus. Non est qui quia soluta ea.
• followers : 1055
• following : 110

linkedin:

• url : https://linkedin.com/in/hessel1991
• username : hessel1991
• bio : Perspiciatis non placeat soluta.
• followers : 466
• following : 1877

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@garfield6532
• username : garfield6532
• bio : Et rerum repudiandae facilis harum. Velit illum ipsa et expedita consequatur.
• followers : 5683
• following : 1320

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/garfield4361
• username : garfield4361
• bio : Ut ut id quis quia et. Laboriosam cupiditate sed sapiente non voluptatum.
• followers : 5605
• following : 166