Probate Lawyer in
Pinellas County, FL
Looking for a Probate Lawyer in Pinellas County, FL?
Navigating the probate process can be difficult. Even if the decedent in your case has a valid will, probate can quickly become a quagmire of legal pleadings and motions. Instead of trying to tackle your probate case alone, choose the Wheeler Law Firm. Attorney Valentina Wheeler is a lawyer who’s practiced probate litigation and estate law for nearly a decade. With that kind of experience, it’s easy to see why clients in the Pinellas County, FL area continue to choose the Wheeler Law Firm to help them solve their probate issues.
The Wheeler Law Firm proudly serves clients in:
- Largo, FL
- Pinellas County, FL
- Hillsborough, FL
- Manatee County, FL
- Pasco County, FL
When to Consult a Probate Law Attorney
When you look for attorneys to represent you in a probate court case, it’s important to find a lawyer who focuses on probate law. While legal greenhorns may think of probate court and the civil court as one and the same, they’re actually significantly different. Civil cases cover any kind of dispute between two parties like a contract dispute. In contrast, the probate court involves verifying a decedent’s will and distributing their assets.
When someone drafts a will, they’ll select a personal representative to carry out their will’s provisions when they die. Often, someone drafting a will decides to select a representative who is a family member or close personal friend. If you are someone who was selected to be a personal representative but you don’t know where to start, don’t panic. Probate law is a precise and technical aspect of legal practice and requires a skilled attorney to successfully complete. Instead of trying to complete the process yourself, get a professional.
In addition, it’s unfortunately common for someone to die without a will, or with a will that’s not legally enforceable. When that happens, each of the decedent’s heirs needs to appear in probate court to represent their interests in the estate. In these kinds of probate scenarios, it’s even more important to hire a lawyer to represent you. If you don’t, you may end up disqualified from receiving any assets from the will.
Our Services
Estates Wills
Power of Attorney
Call Today to Discuss the Probate Litigation Process
The probate process is a multi-step procedure that takes years for a lawyer to learn. It includes steps like:
- Verifying the will – the first step in the probate process is assessing the validity of the decedent’s will. This step will determine the procedure for the rest of the case. Usually, it’s a fairly simple process. However, if someone dies without a will, things can get complicated.
- If the decedent had a valid will, they’ll appoint a personal representative for their case. If not, the court will determine a personal representative itself.
- Next, the personal representative will need to inform all of the decedent’s heirs about their death.
- The personal representative will complete accounting of the decedent’s assets. For some assets, this may include finding a third-party expert to secure an appraisal.
- After that, the personal representative will identify all of the decedent’s unpaid debts and back taxes. They’ll notify any creditors about the decedent’s passing.
- Then, the personal representative will use the will’s assets to fulfill all of the decedent’s unpaid debts.
- Finally, the personal representative will disburse the leftover assets to the beneficiaries.
If you are an heir of an estate that has no valid will, the process will be different. You’ll need to hire a lawyer to guide you through probate litigation. Your attorney will:
- File any necessary forms with the court
- Negotiate with other heirs
- Make court appearances
- File motions and other court documents
- Assess the evidence of your case
Without a qualified probate attorney to help you understand this area of law, your case will be dead in the water.
Choose an Estate Probate Lawyer You Can Count On
If you need help navigating the probate process in the Pinellas County, FL area, choose the Wheeler Law Firm. Clients have already chosen the Wheeler Law Firm as their go-to lawyer for probate and estate representation for nearly a decade. Attorney Valentina Wheeler’s tenacious, dogged, and professional approach to probate cases separate her from other lawyers. Find out why they keep coming back. Call the Wheeler Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
Meet an AMAZING Atty! She was reasonable due 2 my income. We went 2 court, won motions. But have 2... read moreMeet an AMAZING Atty! She was reasonable due 2 my income. We went 2 court, won motions. But have 2 return. I have her 4 a PROBATE ISSUE, from my 30 yr olds death. read less
I referred a client to Ms. Wheeler because I had heard about her aggressive style and her exceptional ability to... read moreI referred a client to Ms. Wheeler because I had heard about her aggressive style and her exceptional ability to get positive results for her clients. Therefore, I sent her a personal injury matter wherein the Plaintiff was catastrophically injured and the issues were particularly complex. And I just got a call from that client thanking me profusely for sending him to Ms. Wheeler because she went up against the insurance companies and got them to settle quickly without it dragging on like most cases. Ms. Wheeler is an exceptional attorney who treats her clients with compassion and fights for their interests vigorously. I will be referring more clients to her. read less
Best Lawyer in town, provided me with excellent services and won my trial. Hands down definitely worth it. I am... read moreBest Lawyer in town, provided me with excellent services and won my trial. Hands down definitely worth it. I am an Air Force veteran and she truly went above and beyond to do the best. Thank you.
Michael Kramer read lessI contacted Ms. Wheeler because a real estate management company presented me with an unfair lease and then refused to... read moreI contacted Ms. Wheeler because a real estate management company presented me with an unfair lease and then refused to refund my deposit when I declined to sign it. She had alot of knowledge on the subject, and in less than a week, she had the issue resolved. I was given a full refund, and didn't even have to go to court. I would recommend all of my friends and family to wheeler law firm. read less
Attorney Wheeler recently helped me with a family probate case from start to finish. She was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and... read moreAttorney Wheeler recently helped me with a family probate case from start to finish. She was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. She went above and beyond to make sure the case was handled in the most timely manner as possible. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need. read less
The Most Talented Attorney - She is a machine!
Words can’t even describe the harassment I endured with my ex... read moreThe Most Talented Attorney - She is a machine!
Words can’t even describe the harassment I endured with my ex in this case. The anxiety and my lack of court knowledge was crippling. I had a very poor attorney that took my money and did nothing accomplished nothing for weeks. That’s when I called Attorney Valentina Wheeler into my messy case - she turned my nightmare into hope and I finally had a feeling of being heard and empowered. During our consultation she took time to hear everything, looked at the entire case, and never made me feel rushed. When she stepped in, the case moved so quick and in my favor. She is a machine! She was determined and stood by my side through all the lies and manipulation from an unreasonable ex. She is intelligent and fierce. She is so savage in the most eloquent way, with the most heart. My son is my life and Valentina embraced that. She is such a passionate attorney because she understands the importance of family. She is my champion in the courtroom. She pours everything into her work and always keeps her word. When she says she will file or get a hearing, you will see the results of her work in a timely manner. She is so responsive and she always made me feel like I am her most important case.
I am a single mother and attorney’s fees was the one reason I tried to stay out of the courts. Her billing is fair and very clear. She is worth every cent. She fought for me during this most challenging time and I stopped stressing. I am happier than I’ve ever been. I can focus on taking care of myself and my son because I trust Valentina will take care of everything in the courts. That’s the most rewarding feeling. I am just so blessed I found her. I am very pleased with her services and representation. She is truly one of a kind; a rare talent. She saved me from a pit of darkness.
Thank you so much for for caring Valentina. I’ll be forever grateful. I can’t thank you enough for the amazing work you have done and continue to do for myself and my son! read lessI consulted with Ms. Wheeler about filing for dissolution of marriage in FL vs another state and she quickly took... read moreI consulted with Ms. Wheeler about filing for dissolution of marriage in FL vs another state and she quickly took me through FL law, its advantages and disadvantages, then honestly advised me to file outside of FL. I appreciated the directness and honesty. She helped me make the final decision. read less
Ms. V. Wheeler is an amazing attorney! I'd recommend her to handle any of your legal matters! Very easy to... read moreMs. V. Wheeler is an amazing attorney! I'd recommend her to handle any of your legal matters! Very easy to communicate with, reasonable fees. She won't let her cases to drag forever, she is very efficient and knows how to get legal matters resolve quickly and with a favorable outcome. She responds quickly to any questions, follows through and reacts quickly to any inquiries. read less
Ms. V. Wheeler is an amazing attorney! I'd recommend her to handle any of your legal matters! Very easy to... read moreMs. V. Wheeler is an amazing attorney! I'd recommend her to handle any of your legal matters! Very easy to communicate with, reasonable fees. She won't let her cases to drag forever, she is very efficient and knows how to get legal matters resolve quickly and with a favorable outcome. She responds quickly to any questions, follows through and reacts quickly to any inquiries. read less
Attorney Wheeler recently helped me with a family probate case from start to finish. She was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and... read moreAttorney Wheeler recently helped me with a family probate case from start to finish. She was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. She went above and beyond to make sure the case was handled in the most timely manner as possible. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need. read less
I consulted with Ms. Wheeler about filing for dissolution of marriage in FL vs another state and she quickly took... read moreI consulted with Ms. Wheeler about filing for dissolution of marriage in FL vs another state and she quickly took me through FL law, its advantages and disadvantages, then honestly advised me to file outside of FL. I appreciated the directness and honesty. She helped me make the final decision. read less
The information contained on this website is presented for informational and marketing purposes only and is not to be understood as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice respecting your individual needs. Wheeler Law Firm, PLLC looks forward to speaking with you about your particular needs. Please note, however, that the mere act of contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. As a result, you should never send any confidential information to our office until a Representation Agreement has been signed by both you and Wheeler Law Firm, PLLC.