
Michael Ryan Willats, Divorce Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 11 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce and Employment
AssociateatShankman Leone, P.A.
Tampa, FL
Practicing divorce in Tampa since 2015.
- 11+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Ryan Willats?
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Quick answer
Michael Ryan Willats is an associate based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Divorce and Employment. Michael has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shankman Leone, P.A..
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 11 years
- Known for
- Divorce · Employment
- Handles Divorce and Employment matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 11 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael Ryan Willats: Michael Ryan Willats is an associate based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Divorce and Employment. Michael has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shankman Leone, P.A..
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on divorce and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Divorce cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes divorce matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Tampa, Florida
Michael takes employment matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael Ryan Willats — divorce lawyer in Tampa
Michael Ryan Willats is an associate based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Divorce and Employment. Michael has over 11 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shankman Leone, P.A..
Michael Ryan Willats is a lawyer practicing labor and employment, divorce & separation. Michael received a B.S. degree from Bucknell University in 2004, and has been licensed for 11 years. Michael practices at Shankman Leone, P.A. in Tampa, FL.
Working with Michael on a divorce matter
Michael Ryan Willats is a lawyer practicing labor and employment, divorce & separation. Michael received a B.S. degree from Bucknell University in 2004, and has been licensed for 11 years. Michael practices at Shankman Leone, P.A. in Tampa, FL.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce and employment matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
J.D. · 2009
Bucknell University
B.S. Civil · 2004
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Florida
2016 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2015 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and B.S. Civil in Bucknell University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and B.S. Civil in Bucknell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Michael Ryan Willats's office in Tampa
Michael's primary office is at 707 N. Franklin St., 5th Fl., Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Ryan Willats
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Ryan Willats — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new divorce attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in divorce practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every divorce matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many divorce practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Ryan Willats
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do divorce cases in Florida typically take?
Simple divorce matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Michael is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new divorce clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Divorce attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
Michael handles divorce matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified divorce attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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