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Stokes Law Firm

OVER 32 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
OVER 350 JURY TRIALS.

Established in 1993, Stokes Law Firm is dedicated to providing quality legal representation in the practice areas of personal injury and family law. Serving St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area, Stokes Law Firm offers aggressive and effective legal representation.

Attorney John M. Stokes
Attorney Christina Stokes, PhD, Esq.

Our Commitment to our Clients

We want to prove to you that quality does not have to come at a high price. We take a great deal of pride in offering personalized service to every client. We help clients who have suffered an injury due to someone’s negligence get the relief, resources and justice they deserve. We are also committed to providing comprehensive, yet affordable family, elder law and estate planning services to individuals and families throughout St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area.

Our clients are more than case numbers; they are people. We recognize that you are an individual with unique needs and expectations. Our team is here to meet your need and exceed your expectations. When you work with us, you can have confidence that a caring legal advocate is on your side.

We are conveniently located on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg should you need help with a personal injury case, family law case, elder law or probate issue. Often just knowing you’ve made that first call to an attorney will put your mind at ease. Peace of mind is only a phone call away. Call Stokes Law Firm today!

Contact us today.

John and Christina are the best!John & Christina represent both me, as well as my company, and I would trust them with my life!


They are great at what they do. In fact, I had another attorney that use to represent me, and what he said couldn’t be done, John & Christina done!



If you’re looking for fearless attorney’s who will represent you and make sure your best interests are weighed in the end, then they are the ones!

I highly recommend Stokes Law Firm!

–Jason W.

John Stokes is an attorney that truly cares about his clients. Not only will you receive his years of expertise but the heart and passion that goes along with it. I would recommend John to anyone looking for a lawyer that will work hard and fight for their rights.

– Debby H.

When Life happens and you need a lawyer typically it is a scary and vulnerable feeling. I am so impressed with Mr. Stokes integrity and effort to go above and beyond the call of duty. He is knowledgeable, smart, experienced and has a great personality to help reduce the stress and pressure that comes with needing a lawyer. I Highly recommend him!

–Jude D.

Very professional and experienced! John has tried over 360 cases so you know you’re getting someone who knows what he’s doing. I would recommend him to my mother.

– Ruth G.

Read more testimonials.

Our Blog

Divorcing Better, Not Bitter: How to Protect Your Peace During a Breakup

August 15, 2025
Divorce is rarely easy. It’s a deeply personal transition that can stir up grief, frustration, and uncertainty about the future. But while you may not control the fact that your marriage is ending, you do have control over how you navigate it. Choosing to divorce better, not bitter is about protecting your peace, prioritizing what matters most, and stepping into the next chapter of life with dignity. 1. Focus on the Big Picture, Not the Battles It’s easy to get caught up in the small conflicts—who gets the blender, or who said what during an argument. But in the long run, those details won’t matter nearly as much as your financial security, emotional well-being, and the stability of any children involved. Ask yourself: “Will this matter in five years?” If the answer is no, it might be worth letting go. 2. Keep the Children at the Center, Not in the Middle If you share children, your relationship with your former spouse doesn’t truly end—it simply changes. Putting your kids’ needs first means avoiding negative talk about the other parent, communicating respectfully about schedules, and making decisions that preserve their sense of safety and love. A child-focused approach not only helps them adjust, it also reduces conflict for you. 3. Set Boundaries—With Your Ex and Yourself Boundaries are essential for healing. This might mean limiting conversations to necessary topics, avoiding social media arguments, or setting timeframes for discussions. Protecting your mental space allows you to process your emotions without constantly reopening wounds. 4. Surround Yourself With Support Divorce can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Trusted friends, family members, therapists, and support groups can provide perspective, encouragement, and a safe place to vent. If possible, work with a divorce attorney who understands your goals and can help keep you out of unnecessary legal battles. 5. Focus on Your Future Self Bitterness keeps you tied to the past; intentional action moves you toward the life you want. Think about your career, health, hobbies, and personal goals. This is your opportunity to redefine yourself, rebuild, and create a future that excites you. Final Thoughts Divorcing “better” doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine or ignoring your pain—it means choosing not to let anger dictate your actions. You can grieve the end of your marriage while also protecting your peace, your dignity, and your hope for the future. When you look back years from now, you’ll thank yourself for taking the high road.

Hurt in St. Petersburg? Florida’s New Laws Could Speed Up (or Slow Down) Your Case

August 13, 2025
If you’ve been injured in St. Petersburg, Florida , the rules for personal injury cases have changed—dramatically. In 2025, Florida introduced a new “litigation track” system that can push your case to trial in as little as six months or stretch it over two years, depending on complexity. If you’re recovering from a car crash on 4th Street, a slip-and-fall at the St. Pete Pier, or a boating accident in Tampa Bay, knowing how these new rules work could make the difference between a fair settlement and losing your right to compensation. What Are Florida’s New Litigation Tracks? Under the 2025 rules, personal injury cases now fall into one of three tracks: Streamlined Track – 6–9 months to trial (often used for straightforward cases) Standard Track – 12–15 months to trial (moderately complex cases) Complex Track – 18–24+ months to trial (multi-party or high-damage cases) Your track determines how quickly your case moves, how soon evidence must be presented, and how long you have to prepare for trial. Why This Matters for St. Pete Accident Victims St. Petersburg’s busy public spaces—North Shore Park, Central Avenue, the Pinellas Trail—mean accidents often happen in areas with multiple witnesses and surveillance cameras. That evidence can disappear quickly. Under the new system: Missed deadlines can destroy your case — Fail to meet a court-imposed deadline, and your claim could be dismissed. Cases may resolve faster — Streamlined-track cases can finish in months, which can be good—if you’re ready. Track selection is critical — Choosing incorrectly can slow your recovery or limit your compensation. What to Do Right After an Injury Seek medical attention immediately – Delays can hurt your health and your case. Document everything – Photos, witness names, and any surveillance footage. Call a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer fast – Local experience can make all the difference. Avoid speaking to insurance companies alone – They may use the new deadlines to pressure you into settling for less. How We Protect Injured People in St. Petersburg From bicycle crashes on the Pinellas Trail to boating collisions in Tampa Bay, we: Move quickly to secure evidence before it disappears Strategically choose the right litigation track to protect your rights Meet every court deadline to keep your case on track Handle all insurance negotiations so you can focus on recovery FAQ: Florida’s New Personal Injury Rules Q: What is a “litigation track”? A: It’s a new scheduling system that determines how quickly your personal injury case moves from filing to trial. Q: How do I know which track my case will be in? A: It depends on complexity, number of parties, and estimated time needed for discovery. We assess and recommend the track that best protects your compensation. Q: Can I switch tracks later? A: In some cases, yes—but the court must approve, and the deadlines are still strict. Don’t Wait — The Clock Is Already Ticking If you’ve been hurt in St. Petersburg, you need a lawyer who understands both Florida’s new court system and our local community. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. 📞 Call Stokes Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for your rights and guide you through Florida’s new legal process so you get the compensation you deserve—before time runs out.