Jonathan Wyatt Hayes

Overview As lead counsel in probate and trust litigation matters, Jonathan provides expert legal representation for individuals and families navigating complex inheritance disputes, will contests, estate administration conflicts, and trust challenges. His deep understanding of trial and appellate litigation, particularly in the area of probate law makes him a trusted advocate for clients facing litigation, including contested estates, fiduciary disputes, and probate court litigation in Florida. Jonathan often serves as local counsel in litigation matters both inside and outside the context of probate and trust litigation. This includes administration and litigation in ancillary probate proceedings. Before joining the firm, Jonathan clerked for the Honorable Robert L. Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida. He also gained invaluable experience as an intern at the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Atlanta, investigating securities violations, and externed with the Honorable Mark E. Walker of the Northern District of Florida. Jonathans background as an entrepreneur, having started, run, and sold multiple businesses-gives him a unique perspective on the legal challenges clients face in business-related estate planning and probate litigation. His ability to understand both the personal and business aspects of estate disputes allows him to offer comprehensive and strategic solutions in even the most complex probate matters. Read More Read Less Representative Matters Probate Litigation - represented the personal representative of a divorced decedent, and succeeded at the summary judgment stage of recapturing assets seized by the decedents ex-spouse, resulting in a judgment for the client of over $800,000. Commercial Foreclosure - successfully argued equitable defenses to the interest rate sought by the lender, resulting in a savings in interest of over $2,000,000. Appellate Practice - successfully defended an appeal on a motion for relief under Rule 1.540(b) on jurisdictional and procedural grounds, resulting in a per curiam affirmance. Related litigation ultimately resulted in an award of attorneys fees for the client. HIPAA Compliance - regularly assists medical clients in complying with state and federal privacy laws. Data Breach -assists clients who have suffered a data breach, including facilitating required notification and negotiations for cyber insurance. Consumer Protection - represented a consumer in a substantial consumer fraud case involving state and federal warranty violations, resulting in a settlement not possible at trial, ultimately resulting in an award of attorneys fees for the consumer. Credentials Education Duke University School of Law, J. D., 2015 Florida State University College of Law, first in his class before transferring to Duke, 2013 Florida State University, B. S, 2012, Management Information Systems Bar Admissions State of Florida (2015 - present) United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida Community Involvement Legal Aid Foundation of the Tallahassee Bar, Board of Directors (2022-present) The Florida State University College of Law, Adjunct Professor, Trusts and Estates (2022-2023) William H. Stafford Inn of Court, member 2019-current Class 4 of the Legal Aid Foundation Tallahassees Thunderdome Program Tallahassee Bar Association, Board of Directors (2024 - present) Tallahassee Women Lawyers Awards & Recognition Florida Trend Legal Elite (Up & Comer): 2021 The Best Lawyers in America (Ones to Watch) - Commercial Litigation: 2024 - 2026 Presentations/Events Jonathan Hayes, Continuing Legal Education presentation to the Florida Government Bar Association: Update on Medical Marijuana Law (Mar. 27, 2019) Jonathan Hayes, Continuing Legal Education Presentation to the Walton County Bar Association Annual Symposium: Florida eDiscovery: Current Trends & Tools (September 25, 2025) Publications/Articles Jonathan Hayes, Constitutional Rulemaking: What Happens When the APA Doesnt Apply?, Fla. B. J., Jan. 2018, at 34, 34-37. Practices Litigation Appellate Practice Probate, Estate Planning and Administration Health Care Corporate