Top Rated St. Petersburg Probate Attorney

Trusted Florida Probate Attorney with Decades of Experience

When you need a St. Petersburg probate attorney who understands both the emotional and legal complexities of settling an estate, James W. Martin offers unmatched experience, compassion, and professionalism. For decades, he has handled Pinellas County Florida probate, estate, trust, and related real estate matters.

As a Florida Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer, he brings a rare dual perspective to every case — combining expertise in property law with a mastery of Florida probate law. Whether you are dealing with an estate or trust or handling real estate tied to probate or trust, Attorney Martin provides the precise legal guidance you need to move forward confidently.

About Attorney James W. Martin

James W. Martin attended Georgia Tech, Stetson University, and Stetson University College of Law, and earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Juris Doctor degree in Law. Today, he teaches law students as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law, which is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. And in recognition of his distinguished contributions, Attorney Martin has been inducted into the Stetson Law Hall of Fame.

He is top rated, having earned the highest professional ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Lawyers.com, and Justia — testament to his integrity, skill, and dedication to client service.

Dedicated to Excellence in Florida Probate Law

As a Pinellas County Florida probate attorney, James W. Martin understands that handling probate, wills, trusts, and estates can be emotionally challenging. He provides clear guidance through every step of the Florida probate process, from estate and trust administration to distribution and discharge. His goal is simple:

“My goal in every probate case is to help my clients get what they’re entitled to as quickly as possible, often within a month for summary probate administration and within six months for formal probate administration.”
— James W. Martin, Esq.

Work Directly With Your Attorney

When you call 727-821-0904, you’ll speak directly with Attorney Martin — not a receptionist, assistant, or associate. When clients hire James W. Martin, P.A., they hire James W. Martin. Clients work directly with the lawyer they retained for estate and trust administration and probate‑related real estate.

Fast Communication & Clear Next Steps

Responsiveness and clarity are central to his practice. James W. Martin returns calls and emails promptly, outlines the documents needed, and maps out timelines so clients can make decisions with confidence. With a solo attorney, there are no hand‑offs — just one accountable point of contact.

Online Appointments

Usually there is no need to come to Florida to meet with probate and real estate lawyer James W. Martin because he meets with clients by phone, Zoom, and Face Time by setting up online appointments that are convenient to the client’s scheduling needs.

Remote‑Friendly: E‑Sign and Florida E‑Filing

The practice is built for convenience. James W. Martin accepts secure e‑signatures, Remote Online Notarization (RON), and court e‑filing. Out‑of‑state personal representatives and heirs can complete most steps without traveling to Florida.

Local Court Experience for Pinellas County Circuit Court

Probate must be filed in the Florida county where the decedent was domiciled or owned real estate. James W. Martin prepares court‑ready filings tailored to Pinellas County Probate Division practices and coordinates required notices, consents, and proposed orders so each matter stays on track.

Probate Administration: Formal, Summary, and Ancillary

James W. Martin represents personal representatives in formal probate, handles summary administration when appropriate, and guides out‑of‑state families through ancillary probate when a non‑Florida decedent owned Florida real estate. He addresses homestead rights, creditor claims, and court approvals while filing in Pinellas County to keep matters moving.

Real Estate in Probate: Title, Sale, and Closing Coordination

From clearing title issues to coordinating with a client’s chosen Realtor and title company, James W. Martin streamlines the sale or transfer of Florida property connected to an estate. Because title insurance premiums are state‑regulated, he focuses on efficient document preparation, settlement coordination, and predictable closing timelines.

Comprehensive Florida Probate Representation

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered and their assets are transferred to heirs or beneficiaries. In Florida, probate can be confusing, especially during an already emotional time. Attorney James W. Martin simplifies the process for his clients.

His probate services include:

• Formal and summary estate administration
• Filing probate petitions in Pinellas County Circuit Court
• Will validation and contest representation
• Homestead property issues and exemptions
• Creditor claims and estate debt resolution
• Guidance for out-of-state heirs who inherit Florida property

He also assists non-Florida residents who must probate assets in the state, such as a vacation home or investment property.

Understanding the Florida Probate Process

Attorney Martin walks clients through each stage of the probate process, including:

1. Filing the Petition for Administration
2. Appointment of a Personal Representative
3. Notifying creditors and beneficiaries
4. Collecting, valuing, and managing estate assets
5. Paying debts and taxes
6. Distributing assets according to the will or Florida intestacy law

He assists in compliance with all procedural requirements under the Florida Probate Code (Chapters 731–740, Florida Statutes), protecting clients from costly errors and unnecessary delays.

Florida Trust Administration

Trusts often play a vital role in estate planning, but they also require proper administration. Attorney Martin assists trustees in meeting their legal duties and helps beneficiaries ensure that their rights are protected under the Florida Trust Code (Chapter 736, Florida Statutes).

Real Estate in Florida Probate and Estates

Because many estates involve real property, Attorney Martin’s Florida Bar Board Certification in Real Estate Law gives clients a critical advantage. He advises clients on:

• Selling real estate held in probate or trust
• Clearing title and resolving property liens
• Understanding Florida homestead law protections and requirements
• Drafting and reviewing contracts for sale and closing documents
• Navigating leases, easements, and construction law

He is the author of multiple volumes on Florida real estate transactions published by West Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, including Florida Real Estate Sales Contracts and Florida Real Estate Lease Agreements. His guidance helps every transaction proceed as legally sound and efficiently completed.

Why Clients Choose James W. Martin, P.A.

• Direct Access: You speak directly with Attorney Martin, not an assistant.
• Board Certification: Real estate law expertise recognized by The Florida Bar.
• Decades of Experience: Trusted advisor in probate, trust, and real estate law.
• Academic and Legal Excellence: Professor, author, and educator in Florida law.
• Top Rated: Peer-reviewed for ethics and ability across major legal platforms.
• Compassionate Guidance: Legal help that balances professionalism with understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does Florida probate take?

Depending on the complexity of the estate, Florida probate can take anywhere from one month to over a year, but St. Petersburg Probate Attorney James W. Martin’s goal is to complete summary probate administration in one month and formal probate administration in six months from the date of filing the necessary pleadings with the probate court.

Can I handle probate without a lawyer?

Florida requires attorney representation for most formal probate cases. Having an experienced probate lawyer helps prevent delays and assures compliance with the Florida Probate Code, the Florida Probate Rules, and Pinellas County Clerk of Court procedures.

What if the decedent owned property in multiple states?

If the decedent owned Florida real estate but resided in another state, Attorney Martin can assist with an ancillary probate in Florida — a secondary proceeding limited to Florida assets. And if the decedent resided in Florida but owned real estate in another state, Attorney Martin can handle the Florida domiciliary probate while with a lawyer licensed in the other state can handle the ancillary probate there.

Do I have to go to court?

Most cases can be handled without in-person hearings. Attorney Martin manages all filings and appearances on your behalf when possible.

Serving St. Petersburg and Pinellas County, Florida

Based in St. Petersburg, Attorney Martin serves clients across Pinellas County:

• St. Petersburg
• Clearwater
• Largo
• Pinellas Park
• Gulfport
• Seminole
• St. Pete Beach
• Pinellas Beaches

Whether your loved one passed away in Florida or owned property here, Attorney Martin can help you navigate the legal system with confidence.

Contact St. Petersburg Probate Attorney James W. Martin

If you need a probate attorney in Pinellas County, Florida, contact James W. Martin for a consultation.

Call: 727-821-0904 Speak directly with Attorney Martin — no intermediaries.
Email: jim@jamesmartinpa.com

or fill out the contact form below to schedule a consultation.

Last updated: February 8, 2026