James W. Martin, Attorney at Law

For five decades St. Petersburg attorney at law James W. Martin has provided experience, knowledge and professionalism in estate, trust and probate cases in Pinellas County, Florida. He has served on The Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee and has chaired the St. Petersburg Bar Probate Law Section. And being board certified in real estate law by The Florida Bar, he brings a rare perspective to every estate, trust and probate case: his expertise in Florida real estate law. And having written four volumes of Florida real estate legal forms books and seven volumes of books on Florida legal entities, he understands the nuances and practicalities of dealing with those assets in estate, trust, and probate cases.

Super Lawyers has rated James W. Martin as a Top Rated Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer, and he has also earned the highest professional ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, Lawyers.com, and Justia as evidence of integrity, skill, and dedication to the practice of law.

James W. Martin is a graduate and adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law, which is ranked #1 in the nation for legal writing and trial advocacy by U.S. News & World Report.

Probate Administration in Pinellas County

There are three types of probate administration in Florida, and James W. Martin has advised clients in all of them: summary probate, formal probate, and ancillary probate. He has also provided legal advice to clients regarding homestead rights, exempt property, creditor claims, and court approvals. Substantive Florida probate law includes the Florida Probate Code and the case law derived from opinions of the Florida and federal courts. Probate procedures are set forth in the Florida Probate Rules promulgated by the Florida Supreme Court. While the probate laws and procedures are uniform throughout the state, the Probate Courts in each court circuit in Florida have their own local rules, and the Clerks of Court have their own customs and procedures.

Real Estate in Pinellas County

Attorney James W. Martin provides legal advice regarding the sale and purchase of real estate in Pinellas County, Florida, including homestead real estate and real estate held in trust and probate estates. His Florida Bar Board Certification in Real Estate Law gives clients a critical advantage. He advises clients on:

• Drafting and reviewing listing agreements
• Drafting and reviewing contracts for sale
• Drafting and reviewing closing documents
• Selling real estate held in probate, trust, or homestead

Questionnaire

If you want St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida attorney James W. Martin to consider taking your case, please fill out a Questionnaire here and email it to jim@jamesmartinpa.com 

Updated October 16, 2026