Skip to main content

Melissa Finley Williams

Probate Attorney at Saint Petersburg, FL

4.9   10 reviews

also known as Melissa Williams, 727-280-6837

  • Licensed for 10 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2012
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Melissa

Learn Melissa’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Probate
    30%
    Probate Administration & Litigation; Trust Administration & Litigation

  2. Estate planning
    25%
    Wills; Trusts; Power of Attorney; Health Care Surrogate; Living Wills; Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

  3. Elder law
    20%
    Medicaid Planning; VA Aid & Attendance; Special Needs Planning

  4. Guardianship
    10%
    Contested and Uncontested Guardianships

  5. Real estate
    8%

  6. Business
    7%

CALL US:

Melissa Finley Williams is the principal attorney at Finley Williams Law, PA. Mrs. Williams is a Florida native and was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and raised in Clearwater, Florida. She relocated back to the Tampa Bay area with her family in 2016. Prior to establishing the Finley Williams Law Firm in St. Petersburg, Mrs. Williams spent two years in a private law office practicing in the areas of wills, trusts and estates, Medicaid planning, and VA Aid & Attendance. She later joined a larger firm in the Orlando, Florida area and successfully grew and managed a new location for the firm in The Villages, Florida. While managing the firm's new location, Mrs. Williams focused her practice in the areas of estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid planning, VA Aid & Attendance, elder law, business law, landlord-tenant law, and homeowners association law.

Mrs. Williams is an active member of the Florida Bar, St. Pete Bar, Clearwater Bar, Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and Florida Bar Elder Law Section. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law teaching interviewing, counseling, and negotiation to second and third-year law students. She volunteers her time with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, helping youth reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. She is also a member of the Junior League of St. Petersburg. 

 

Mrs. Williams graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she served as a Student Ambassador and was an active member of the Real Property Law Association. She also attended the University of Florida as an undergraduate student and graduated cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Mrs. Williams served as the Vice President and Secretary of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity during her undergraduate studies. She graduated salutatorian from Pinellas Park High School. 

Mrs. Williams enjoys spending time with her family on the beach, boating, and watching Gator football games.

Photos and videos

Contact Melissa

Similar lawyers nearby

Finley Williams Law, PA
111 Second Avenue NE
Suite 909
Saint Petersburg, FL, 33701

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
5 Star
 
90%
4 Star
 
10%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Choice I Ever Made
After our initial consultation, I hired Attorney Williams. Having her on my side has been such a relief after trying to deal with some personal legal matters on my own.. She is sharp, down to earth, and puts you at ease the moment you walk into her office. She came highly recommended and they were right. She is awesome!
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Caring
Mrs. Williams was able to see me within a few days of calling and I knew then she was the right person for my case. She handled a very stressfull situation with professionalism and patience. I would not have made it through the probate process without her help. On top of a good experience with Mrs. Williams, her assistant, Michelle, was very caring and always took the time to speak with me and get any answers I needed quickly and efficiently. She made a good experience even better.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Guidance in Landlord Tenant Issue
Melissa Williams was efficient and extremely helpful in resolving my issue with a tenant who had become further and further behind on his rent. Unfortunately after many attempts to negotiate with the tenant by myself, I could not give anymore time and it was time to evict. I am extremely thankful for Melissa guiding me through the process seamlessly with no bumps in the road along the way and in the end my losses from the tenant were minimal. All in all it was a pleasant process and Melissa is great to work with.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Made things simple
We had to have wills, trusts and healthcare surrogate documentation updated. Melissa was thorough and efficient. It was a fast and painless process.
Posted by Sheryl Garelick | January 8, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Super Professional Attorney and Colleague
I met Melissa for a consultation and was so impressed with her vast knowledge of elder law, estate planning and other topics of concern to me and my family that I asked her to speak to a large group I knew would also benefit from her expertise. She 'wow'ed them and I know many others became clients that day as well. She combines a depth of knowledge on many legal topics with a depth of caring and compassion which is rare in my experience. It's an honor to recommend her to anyone who truly wants personalized, knowledgeable representation.
Read less
Posted by Joyce | December 31, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Medicaid eligibility for my mother
Melissa was compassionate to the needs of my mother in being able to receive Medicaid Benefits. She was extremely knowledgeable of the horrific governmental paperwork and laws. Thank you Melissa for all of your help.
Posted by anonymous | July 7, 2015
Medicaid for Mother
Melissa helped my brother and I get Medicaid benefits for my mother. She was very helpful in navigating the process with us and was very patient when we had a ton of questions about the process. Melissa took charge throughout the Medicaid application process and helped put our minds at ease. Thanks to Melissa, mom is in a nursing home and on Medicaid benefits.
Read less
Posted by Don | May 21, 2015
Aided in Revitalization of HOA Covenants
Attorney Williams helped our HOA revitalize our old Covenants & Restrictions that had expired. She walked us through each step of the revitalization process and was always available to answer questions from myself as well as the other members of the HOA Board. She also drafted updated Bylaws and Restrictions following the completion of the revitalization. She is very easy to work with and is knowledgeable.
Read less
Posted by Carol | May 21, 2015
Great Knowledgeable Attorney Who Cares About Clients
Melissa was recommended to me by a neighbor who had completed her estate planning with Melissa. She was extremely knowledgeable and was happy to sit down with me and answer all of my questions. The estate plan was thorough and I feel so relieved now that it is completed! I highly recommend Melissa Williams and the BCN Law Firm in The Villages.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | August 8, 2015
Approachable and complete
Melissa was always very professional yet easy to talk to and communicate with. Provided good advice to maximize our settlement. Would recommend that she provide more detail throughout the process to clients regarding copies of paperwork filed with the court, synopsis of conversations with opposing parties etc.
View less reviews

Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Principal Attorney
  • Finley Williams Law, PA
  • 2016 - Present
  • Attorney
  • BCN Law Firm
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Adjunct Professor
  • University Of Florida Levin College Of Law
  • 2013 - 2015
  • Attorney
  • Trotter Soulsby, PA
  • 2012 - 2014
  • Clerk
  • Chandler, Lang, Haswell & Cole, PA
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Clerk
  • Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
  • 2010 - 2010
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 2012
  • University of Florida
  • Bachelor of Science
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • In re: Guardianship of JAS
  • Husband was named Guardian instead of a professional guardian.
  • In re: Guardianship of RB
  • Parties came to an agreement regarding the care of the AIP and the Agent retained the power to care for the AIP.

Associations

  • Junior League of St. Pete
  • Chair of Merchandising
  • 2018 - Present
  • Leadership St. Pete
  • Member - Class of 2018
  • 2018 - Present
  • Junior League of St. Pete
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Thomas E. Penick, Jr. Elder Law American Inn of Court At Stetson Law
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • St. Petersburg Chamber
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • St. Petersburg Bar Association, Real Property Section
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Better Living for Seniors
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Guardian Association of Pinellas County
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Suncoast Estate Planning Council
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Pinellas County chapter)
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Clearwater Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • St. Petersburg Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Bankruptcy Bar of the Middle District of Florida
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Elder Law Section
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Florida Bar Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Villages Women's Giving Alliance
  • Founding Member
  • 2016 - 2016
  • Leesburg Regional Medical Center Foundation
  • Board Member
  • 2016 - 2016
  • Rotary Club of The Villages Noon
  • Committee Member
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter Counties - Lady Lake Unit
  • Board Member
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Cornerstone Hospice
  • Advisory Board
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Lake County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Sumter County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2016
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best Elder Law Firm - Pinellas County
  • Legal Elite
  • 2017
  • Excellence Award for Real Property Law - Pinellas County
  • Legal Elite
  • 2017
  • Best of Tampa Bay
  • Tampa Bay Times
  • 2017
  • Forty Under 40
  • Business In the Heart of Florida
  • 2013
  • Lewis Ansbacher Real Property Award
  • Lewis Ansbacher Memorial
  • 2011
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Sudden Death - Are You Prepared?
  • Estate Planning
  • 2016
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Planning for Special Needs Beneficiaries
  • 2016
  • Getting Your "Closet" In Order
  • Estate Planning
  • 2015
  • VA Aid & Attendance and Medicaid Planning in Florida
  • Medicaid and VA Benefits
  • 2015
  • Medicaid Planning for Nursing Home Care
  • Medicaid Planning
  • 2014
  • Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association
  • Problem Juries - CLE
  • 2011
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (10)
Endorse Melissa
Elder law Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have the utmost respect for Melissa as an attorney. She is a wonderful advocate for her clients, has a great deal of knowledge in her areas of practice and is respected by her fellow attorneys. I would not hesitate to recommend her."
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Melissa Finley Williams is the founder and principal of Finley Williams Law, P.A. in St. Petersburg. Melissa is a skilled attorney that works tirelessly for her clients. She has subject matter expertise in estate planning, elder law, guardianship, probate and trust administration, Medicaid and veterans benefits and real property law. She provides her clients with legacy planning that is tailored to their needs. Melissa maintains a blog to address various legal issues. She is active in The Florida Bar, St. Pete Bar, Clearwater Bar, Suncoast Estate Planning Council, Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and Florida Bar Elder Law Section. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She has an exceptional “bedside manner” breaking down complex legal issues for her clients. Without hesitation I recommend and endorse Melissa."
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Melissa is without question one of the finest lawyers in the area. Her dedication to her clients and willingness to work hard to find the right solution for each client is refreshing. I can highly recommend her."
Landlord or tenant Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Professional; Intelligent; Reasonable; and Zealous."
Elder law Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mrs. Finley Williams is a hard-working and diligent attorney. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about obtaining great results for her clients. I endorse this lawyer!"
Unknown Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Elder law Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the opportunity to work with Melissa on multiple occasions. She is an intelligent and passionate attorney who cares about her clients. I endorse this lawyer."
Elder law Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse Ms. Williams as a litigator and elder law practitioner in the central Florida area. She understands both the equities and procedures of legal issues and effectively advocates for her clients in order to obtain good resolutions."
Elder law Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Elder law Attorney | Dec 22
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is an intelligent, caring and thorough attorney with a passion for what she does. Melissa has a complete understanding of the legal areas she practices and is able to provide sound legal advice with a consideration of the practical matters which the client is concerned with. She is a great attorney."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is an excellent estate planning attorney and I recommend her whole-heatedly. She is detail-oriented and does solid work for her clients."
Trusts Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is an excellent wills ands trusts lawyer and I recommend her without hesitation. She is caring and does a great job!"
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 04
Relationship: Friend
"Melissa is a compassionate and patient attorney. She strives to work at the best of her ability, which in turn produces satisfactory results for her clients. I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements