Estate, Trust, and Probate Attorney
St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida
Attorney James W. Martin
St. Petersburg attorney James W. Martin provides 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 case: 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 attended Georgia Tech and Stetson University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Stetson University and a Juris Doctor degree in law from Stetson University College of Law (ranked #1 in the nation for legal writing and trial advocacy by U.S. News & World Report). He serves as Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law and has been inducted into the Stetson University College of Law Hall of Fame.
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 15, 2026
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Meet St. Petersburg Attorney James W. Martin
James W. Martin is a Florida attorney who practices estate, trust and probate law in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida, and who has drafted hundreds of wills and trusts, has served on The Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee, and has chaired the St. Petersburg Bar Probate Section. He holds the highest ratings on Martindale, Avvo, Justia, and SuperLawyers.Florida Lawyer Jim Martin Blog
Reminder: 30 Days Is the Deadline to Appeal an Order of Summary Administration and an Order Determining Homestead A recent Florida appellate court opinion reminds Florida probate lawyers that 30 days is the deadline to file an appeal of a probate court order when...
Why You Need a Hurricane Supplement to the Seller’s Property Disclosure Form In 2024 Hurricane Helene’s storm surge damaged tens of thousands of homes on the west coast of Florida. Hurricane Milton’s winds came two weeks later...
Five Reasons To Put the Original of Your Florida Will in a Bank Safe Deposit Box Florida probate attorneys spend a lot of time meeting with clients and helping them create their estate plans and planning for the future. All of that...
St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida
Get in Touch
For your initial consultation, just fill out the Leave a Message form or email jim@jamesmartinpa.com or call (727) 821-0904.- 1 Highest Ratings
- 2 Decades of Experience
- 3 Quick Response