Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarita Wheeler.
Hi Sarita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve lived a pretty adventurous life and dance to the beat of my own drum. I think people have ideas of what lawyers are like based on television and their own (often negative) experiences. So when people seem surprised that I’m an attorney I try to take it as a compliment–that I’m nicer, more fun, more approachable and down-to-earth than whatever lawyer stereotype they have in mind,
I’ve been practicing law since 1998 but I don’t define myself by my profession. I’m an adventurer, traveler, hiker, artist, writer, distance runner, dancer, and dog and cat mom as well. I’m a military brat and have lived in the four corners of the country (Pacific NW, SoCal, New England / Mid-Atlantic, and Florida), including four years on a 37-foot sailboat. As an undergrad, I studied philosophy and Latin American history. I went on to complete my law degree and Finance MBA at the University of Miami and lived in south Florida for many years. I now divide my time between North Florida and the mid-Atlantic.
We’re all three-dimensional and have our own unique talents and perspectives so I reject the idea that I have to be a certain way or follow the traditional legal path to be effective and successful. Similarly, I take people (and clients) as they are and strive to be a helper, problem solver, and leave things better than I found them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like everyone, I’ve faced various bumps in the road in my career and relationships. But the single most difficult transition in my life was the passing of my Yellow Lab and two cats over the span of 13 months in 2021 and 2022. All were old and lived full lives. But I spent several years waking every few hours to provide meds or fluids and hospice care as my babies became geriatric. After they passed, I took a sabbatical in 2023 and early 2024. I knew I needed a radical change of pace to avoid falling into a pit of despair. I solo backpacked around South and Central America, hiking in Patagonia, visiting Antarctica, snorkeling above hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands, taking a ferry up the Amazon river, feeling the raw power of Iguazú Falls. My heart will always be somewhat broken at the loss of my pets, they were my only family. But I know they would rather see me live my life to the fullest than be consumed by my grief. Now I have another cat by my side, a very wild kitty from deep in the North Florida woods.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My legal practice focuses on estate planning, mediation, and small business law. My focus is helping individuals take control and problem-solve, preferably before tragedy or crisis strikes. Most people encounter the legal system at the worst times of their lives–death, divorce, or a criminal charge. I strive to de-mystify our expensive and complex legal system and empower clients with empathy and a sense of humor.
People often think that estate planning is only for the old and the rich, but the reality is that “whether you’re 18 or 81,” everyone benefits from an estate plan. For some that might mean revocable or irrevocable trusts depending on whether one is concerned with avoiding the time and expense of probate or seeking asset protection from future creditors and predators. But even if one isn’t looking to transfer assets to a trust, (yet), everyone benefits from having a will, healthcare proxy, living will, and powers of attorney in place.
Estate planning helps one take and maintain as much control as possible over what happens to one medically and what happens to one’s “stuff.” Without any plan in place, the default rules may not accomplish your goals. The bottom line is that everyone will eventually die and they can either pay now and have control, or do nothing and let their family members pay, potentially much more, after they pass. In the end, it’s about helping people increase their peace of mind, which I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saritawheelerlegal.com
