Experience
Brandon D. Bellew is a partner at Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, who focuses his practice on trust, estate, and guardianship litigation. Throughout his career, he has represented individuals, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries in complex disputes involving wills, trusts, estates, and contested guardianship cases. His practice often involves highly sensitive family conflicts where significant assets and deeply personal relationships intersect.
Brandon approaches these matters as a problem solver. Trust and estate disputes frequently involve complicated family dynamics, unclear documentation, and competing interpretations of a decedent’s intent. Brandon works methodically to assemble the relevant facts, identify the key legal issues, and develop a strategy that positions his clients for the most favorable outcome. While he is an experienced trial lawyer who regularly handles depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and all types of courtroom proceedings, including trials, he believes the best results can often come from strategic negotiation and resolution outside of trial when possible.
His practice is particularly focused on contested probate and trust matters, including disputes among siblings, blended family conflicts involving step-parents and step-children, allegations of undue influence or exploitation of vulnerable adults, fiduciary disputes, homestead issues, and all types of challenges involving the administration of estates and trusts. These matters frequently involve substantial assets and require creative solutions to divide or preserve family property.
Brandon’s path to becoming a lawyer reflects both determination and perspective. Raised mostly by his maternal grandparents in a small town in eastern Kentucky, he was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. That background continues to influence his approach to practicing law. Clients value his practical judgment, common-sense approach to litigation, and his ability to navigate emotionally charged disputes while remaining focused on solutions.
He earned both his J.D. and M.B.A. from Stetson University College of Law and has devoted his entire legal career to trust and estate litigation. Brandon became a partner at Johnson Pope at an early stage in his career, reflecting both his legal skill and the trust he has earned within the firm and among his clients.
In addition to representing clients in litigation, Brandon regularly writes and lectures on topics involving trust, estate, and guardianship disputes and is actively involved in shaping the development of probate law in Florida.
Representative Matters
- Successful Trial Challenging Fraudulent Estate Transfers. Represented beneficiaries in a multi-day trial involving allegations that an individual improperly obtained a will and deed from a vulnerable decedent shortly before his death. The court ultimately ruled that the will and deed were invalid as the products of undue influence and restored the estate assets for the benefit of the decedent’s children.
- Complex Family Estate Dispute Involving Multiple Properties. Represented family members in a contentious probate dispute involving multiple properties and assets located in several states, requiring creative strategies to resolve competing claims among siblings.
- Trust and Estate Litigation Involving Blended Families. Regularly represents clients in disputes between step-parents, step-children, and other heirs regarding control of estate assets and interpretation of trust documents.
- Fiduciary and Personal Representative Disputes. Represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries in litigation concerning alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, mismanagement of estate assets, and disputes regarding administration of estates and trusts.
- Guardianship and Exploitation Litigation. Successfully represented clients in cases involving alleged exploitation of elderly individuals and disputes regarding guardianship and control of financial affairs.
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2006
- United States District Court (Middle District of Florida), 2006
Education
- Stetson University, J.D., 2006
- Stetson University, M.B.A., 2006
- University of South Florida, B.A., 2003
Awards & Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year,” Clearwater – Trusts and Estates, 2019
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2018 – Present
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Estate and Trust Litigation, 2015 – 2018
- Super Lawyers, Estate and Trust Litigation, 2023 – Present
- Graduate of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, 2017
- Avvo “Superb” 10.0 rating.
- Leadership Pinellas Class of 2013
Community & Professional Organizations
- The Florida Bar
- Member
- Probate Rules Committee Member, 2018 – 2021
- Clearwater Bar Association, Probate & Section
- Member
- President, 2018 – 2019
- President Elect, 2017 – 2018
- Board of Directors, 2013 – 2020
- The St. Petersburg Bar Association
- Probate and Real Property Member
- Clearwater Bar Probate and Guardianship Section
- Chair, 2014 – 2016
- Florida Bar Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section
- Member
- Former Executive Council Member
- Vice Chair of the Guardianship, Power of Attorney and Advanced Directives Committee, 2017 – 2020
- East Lake Flag Football 5th and 6th Grade Division Back-to-Back Spring League champions
- Head Coach
- Safety Harbor Recreation Basketball League, 11 to 13-year-old division, 2018 Summer League champions
- Head Coach
- Sun Coast YMCA
- Former Youth Basketball Coach
- Dunedin Fine Arts Center Planned Giving Committee
- Board Member
- Sixth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee 6E
- Former Chair
Outside the Office
Outside of his practice, Brandon enjoys spending time with his family and coaching youth sports. He has served as a youth basketball and flag football coach for several local leagues and remains actively involved in his community. He also enjoys staying active through fitness training and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
- When Estate Planning Fails the Client: Lessons from a Florida Will and Deed Contest, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, February 2026
- Injunction for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, March 2019
- Waiver of Spousal Inheritance Rights and New Statute Affecting Homestead, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, December 2018
- Determining Mental Capacity Required to Make a Will or Trust, Gift, Contract or Deed, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, September 2018
- Rights of a Surviving Spouse in a Florida Probate, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, August 2018
- Can You Admit a Copy of a Last Will and Testament to Probate?, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, June 2018
- Grounds to Contest a Last Will and Testament or a Trust Agreement in Florida, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, May 2018
- ’Twas The Season: A Gift or Not a Gift, Brandon D. Bellew and Caitlein J. Jammo, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, May 2018
- Pat II: Spousal Rights in Probate and Dissolution Actions, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, April 2018
- Is My Interest in the Trust Protected from Creditors?, Brandon D. Bellew and Caitlein J. Jammo, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, January 2018
- Part I: Spousal Rights in Probate – Waiver, Brandon D. Bellew, Clearwater Bar Association Newsletter, August 2017
- Know the Probate Rules to Keep Your Case Alive When the Defendant Dies, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, April 2017
- Know the Probate Rules to Keep Your Case Alive When the Defendant Dies, Brandon D. Bellew, Clearwater Bar Association Newsletter, July 2016
- Rebutting the Presumption of Revocation for a Lost of Destroyed Will, Brandon D. Bellew, Clearwater Bar Association Newsletter, May 2016
- How to Establish a Copy of a Lost of Destroyed Will, Brandon D. Bellew, Clearwater Bar Association Newsletter, March 2016
- Survivorship Rights in Joint Bank Accounts, Brandon D. Bellew, Clearwater Bar Association Newsletter, March 2015
- Survivorship Rights in Joint Bank Accounts, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, January 2015
- Homestead: You May Own It, But That Does Not Mean You Control It, Brandon D. Bellew, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP, May 2013
- Trust Reformations to Correct Mistakes: If You Can’t Revoke It, Maybe You Can Reform It, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar’s Litigation and Trust Law Symposium, April 11, 2025.
- Probate Case Law Update, Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations’ Probate Update, March 7, 2025
- Probate Litigation Statutory Update, Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations’ Probate Update, February 18, 2021
- Survey of Litigation Issues for Guardians During Administration, Guardianship Association of Pinellas County Annual Conference, September 22, 2020
- Spousal Rights in Probate Proceedings, Estate, Guardianship, & Trust Committee of the Orange County Bar Association, November 10, 2020
- Live OR Let Die? DNRs, Guardian Conflicts, Filing Fees, and Other Guardianship Law Updates, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar’s 2020 Legislative Update
- Hot Topics and Traps for the Unwary in Contested Guardianships, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar’s Annual Guardianship Seminar, April 17, 2019
- Law and Procedure Related to Will Contests, Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations’ Probate Update, April 10, 2019
- Spousal Rights in Probate Proceedings, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar CLE Webcast, January 16, 2019
- Liftoff: To file or not to file. Is it necessary? Alternatives to guardianships or (good intentions gone wrong)? Is it an emergency? Can it be voluntary? Who are the interested parties?, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar’s Annual Guardianship Seminar, April 20, 2018
- Litigation Issues Relating to Survivorship Rights in Joint Accounts, Suncoast Estate Planning Council, October 26, 2017
- Homestead: Restrictions on Transfer and Devise, Probate Section of the Clearwater Bar, September 2016
- Practice Tips for the Estate Planning Lawyer before and after a Will or Trust Contest. Probate Section of the Clearwater Bar Association, October 2015
- Probate Issues for the Family Law Practitioner, Family Law Section of the St. Petersburg Bar Association, September 2015
- Probate and Trust Disputes and How Technology Can Help, Paralegal Association of Florida – Fall Seminar, October 5, 2013
- Litigation Issues Relating to Survivorship Rights in Joint Accounts, Clearwater Bar Association Probate Section, September 2013
Articles
- When Estate Planning Fails the Client: Lessons from a Florida Will and Deed Contest
- Johnson Pope Attorneys Win Appellate Case on Trust Reformation
- 26 Johnson Pope Attorneys Named to 2025 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- Florida’s 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 28 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- Florida’s 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 22 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- Seven Johnson Pope Partners Recognized as Florida Legal Elite
- Injunction for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult
- Waiver Of Spousal Inheritance Rights And New Statute Affecting Homestead
- Determining Mental Capacity Required to Make a Will or Trust, Gift, Contract or Deed
- Rights Of A Surviving Spouse In A Florida Probate
- Brandon D. Bellew’s Trust and Estate Litigation Blog
- Can You Admit A Copy Of A Last Will And Testament To Probate?
- Grounds To Contest A Last Will And Testament Or A Trust Agreement In Florida
- ‘Twas The Season: A Gift Or Not A Gift
- Is My Interest In The Trust Protected From Creditors?
- Know The Probate Rules To Keep Your Case Alive When The Defendant Dies
- Survivorship Rights in Joint Bank Accounts
- HOMESTEAD, you may own it but that does not mean you control it.
News
- 26 Johnson Pope Attorneys Named to 2025 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- 55 Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP Lawyers Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2025
- Florida’s 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 28 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- 48 Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP Lawyers Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2024
- Florida’s 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 22 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- 48 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023—Four recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- Seven Johnson Pope Partners Recognized as Florida Legal Elite
- 46 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America® 2022—Five Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- Five Johnson Pope Partners Recognized as Florida Legal Elite
- 47 Lawyers From Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized By Best Lawyers® 2021 – Four Recognized As “Lawyer of the Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- Florida Super Lawyers Recognizes 23 Attorneys from Johnson Pope
- 36 Lawyers From Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized In Best Lawyers In America® 2020 – Three Recognized As “Lawyer Of The Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- Florida Super Lawyers Recognizes 24 Attorneys From Johnson Pope
- 32 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America®” 2019 – Three Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in Their Respective Practice Areas
- Brandon D. Bellew Sworn In As Clearwater Bar Association President For 2018-2019 Term
- Brandon D. Bellew Named To Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee
- 30 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America®” 2018 and Two Partners as “Lawyer of the Year” in Their Areas of Practice
- Brandon D. Bellew accepted into the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Brandon Bellew Named Partner
By JP Firm — September 2025
Johnson Pope attorneys Brandon Bellew and Caitlein Jammo successfully secured a reversal in the Second District Court of Appeal in a case involving the reformation of trusts. The trial court had previously ruled to reform a newly created trust as a restatement of an older trust, despite the fact that […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
By JP Firm — June 2025
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP is proud to announce that 26 of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. This prestigious honor highlights attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional legal skill, peer recognition, and professional achievement across a wide range of practice areas. Super Lawyers is a trusted […]
By Brandon D. Bellew — March 2019
There is now a procedure for obtaining an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult under Florida Statute Section 825.1035. This statute was enacted on July 1, 2018. It creates a cause of action for an injunction (and other relief) for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult. […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
By Brandon D. BellewBrandon D. Bellew — December 2018
There is a new statute, effective July 1, 2018, that provides more clarity for a waiver of Florida Constitutional spousal homestead inheritance rights through a deed. The Florida Constitution, under Article X, Section 4(c), states: “the homestead shall not be subject to devise if the owner is survived by spouse […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
By Brandon D. BellewBrandon D. BellewBrandon D. Bellew — September 2018
A person must be of “sound mind” when he or she makes a will.1 This standard also applies to a trust. Florida case law defines “testamentary capacity” as “the ability to mentally understand in a general way (1) the nature and extent of the property to be disposed of, (2) […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
By Brandon D. BellewBrandon D. BellewBrandon D. BellewBrandon D. Bellew — August 2018
There is a long list of rights and benefits that a surviving spouse is entitled to receive from a deceased spouse’s (“decedent”) estate (or trust) under the Florida Probate Code. A surviving spouse may be entitled to all or some of the following probate rights upon the death of his/her […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
By Brandon D. BellewBrandon D. BellewBrandon D. BellewBrandon D. BellewBrandon D. Bellew — July 2018
Welcome to my Trust and Estate Litigation blog where I will discuss legal issues that frequently arise in my cases and provide updates and analyses of statutory and case law development in the areas of trust, estate and guardianship law. I am a partner at Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel, […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
By Brandon D. Bellew — May 2018
The most common issues that I handle as a probate and trust litigation attorney relate to the grounds to contest a last will and testament or a trust agreement. The grounds to contest the validity of a will or trust generally fall into three basic categories: 1. A formality—i.e. the […]
Categories: Blogs, Trusts & Estates
Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to share information and opinions of the author about Florida law related to estates, trusts and guardianships. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author and its contents are not legal advice. Although, the author will use best efforts to ensure that the case law and statutes referenced are up to date when a blog entry is posted, it is possible that the case law and statutes are or will become outdated, repealed or overruled over time. This blog discusses general situations and is not a substitute for legal advice that relates to your specific situation. This blog is not intended to be advertising.
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