Jeffrey S. Goethe
Top rated Estate Planning & Probate attorney in Bradenton, Florida
Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea & Robinson, PLLC
Practice Areas: Estate Planning & Probate
Licensed in Florida since: 1990
Education: The University of Tennessee College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2025 Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea & Robinson, PLLC
3119 Manatee Avenue WestBradenton, FL 34205 Phone: 941-741-8224 Email: Jeffrey S. Goethe Visit website
Details
Mr. Goethe has maintained board certification by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Estates since 2010.
In 2014, Mr. Goethe was elected to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
Mr. Goethe is an active member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, and has served on the section's Executive Council and several committees within the section, including committees that have drafted legislation relating to homestead, trusts, and probate administration. In 2016, he received the John Arthur Jones Annual Service Award for his dedicated service to the section. In 2023, he was awarded the Robert C. Scott Memorial Award for his continued dedication and service.
Mr. Goethe served on the Florida Probate Rules Committee for a total of twelve years, including two years as chair. He currently serves on the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Committee.
His lectures, articles, and written materials have covered a variety of topics, including homestead, elective share rights for surviving spouses, probate administration, trust administration, and estate planning. Mr. Goethe is a past director and past president of The Manatee County Bar Association.
Appointments are available at the main office in Bradenton, with appointments upon request in the Holmes Beach, Parrish, and Lakewood Ranch offices. Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office at (941) 741-8224 during regular business hours.
First Admitted: 1990, Florida
Professional Webpage: https://www.barneswalker.com/about/attorneys/jeffrey-goethe/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- The American Bar Association and its Real Property, Trust and Estates Section
- Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Committee, the Florida Bar, 2020
- Fellow, American Bar Association Foundation, 2020
- Probate Law and Procedure Committee of the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section (Co-Vice Chair 2019-2021), 2009
- Director, Manatee County Bar Association; President-Elect (2013-2014); President (2014-2015)., 2011
- Member of the Executive Council of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, 2009
- The Florida Probate Rules Committee - member (2005-2011 and 2014 to 2020); Chair (2010-2011 and 2019-2020); Committee Vice Chair (2010-11 and 2018-2019); Subcommittee Chair (2009 and 2014 to 2017)., 2005
- Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; Elder Law Committee and Asset Protection Committee., 2014
- The Manatee County Estate Planning Council, 2010
- Member of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar.
- Homestead Issues Study Committee (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar); Co-Vice Chair (2016-2020); Chair (2020 to 2022), 2009
- Wills, Trusts and Estates Certification Review Course Committee of The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar (Co-vice chair 2012-2015; Chair 2015-16 and 2018-2021), 2012
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Florida Bar Board Certified - Wills, Trusts and Estates, 2010
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Past Director for the Manatee County Boys and Girls Club.
- Volunteer attorney for the "Wills for Heroes" project sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section of the Manatee County Bar Association
- Pro Bono attorney, Manasota Legal Aid Society
- Past volunteer coach for the Annual Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the Manatee County Bar Association.
- Member of the Legacy Committee for the Manatee Community Foundation., 2012
- Past coach for the Manatee Wildcats Pop Warner Football organization and the Manatee County Family YMCA.
Honors/Awards:
- THE ROBERT C. SCOTT MEMORIAL AWARD was established in 1985 by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar to memorialize the memory and many extraordinary accomplishments of Robert C. Scott. At his death in 1982, Robert C. Scott was a dedicated member and Past Chair of the Section whose distinguished practice was primarily centered in Palm Beach County. His many contributions included development of the Florida Association of Realtors — The Florida Bar Accord and acceptance of the initial Realtors — Florida Bar approved Contract For Sale and Purchase of Real Estate. Even though he had completed his outstanding Chairmanship of the Section in 1973, Mr. Scott continued his tireless effort on behalf of the Section and the lawyers of Florida until his death, he was faithful in his attendance at Section meetings and participated in the Section programs, and he never overlooked the opportunity to advance the objectives of the Section. This Award given in recognition of Mr. Scott’s many years of untiring, devoted and valuable service to the Section. While not granted on an annual basis, the award will be granted when the occasion requires to those Section members who best exemplify the devotion and continued service of Robert C. Scott to the Section and its membership., The Robert C. Scott Memorial Award, The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, 2023
- The John Arthur Jones Annual Service Award, presented by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar in June of 2016. , The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, 2016
- Board Certified Attorney - Wills, Trusts and Estates, The Florida Bar, 2010
Educational Background:
- Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, Bachelor of Arts; Presidential Scholar; Varsity Football; Resident Assistant; David C. King History Scholarship; Finalist for Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award., 1986
- University of Tennessee, College of Law, Knoxville, Tennesse, 1990
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Chaired, prepared written materials, and lectured for a Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section Audio Webcast, Speaker, Author, Homestead Devise Restrictions, Inurement, Determination Procedures, Liens, Partition, and Sales, 2020
- Coordinated and presented a seminar to the Manatee County Bar Association, Speaker, Author, An Update on Florida Probate and Guardianship Rules, 2020
- Chaired the committee that was responsible for a two-day advanced seminar with 18 speakers., Chair, Wills, Trusts and Estates Certification Review Course, Legal, 2020
- Presented lecture and written materials covering the closing of a probate estate and a second lecture and materials on the rights of surviving spouses under Florida law in Tampa and Sarasota., Author, Lecturer, Closing the Estate; Spousal Rights, Legal, 2019
- Participated in a seminar sponsored by the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section., Author, Lecturer, Florida Homestead Waivers, Legal, 2019
- Presented a lecture and written materials covering developments in Florida's homestead laws to the Venice Estate Planning Council and to the Sarasota County Bar Association Estate Planning Section. , Author, Lecturer, Florida's Legal Chameleon Continues to Evolve - An Update on Florida Homestead, Legal, 2019
- Presented an udpate on Florida's spousal rights laws as part of the annual Wills, Trusts and Estates Certification Review Course presented by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. , Author, Lecturer, The Spouse’s Elective Share, Legal, 2018
- Mr. Goethe and Mr. Baskies serve on the Homestead Issues Committee of the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section. The committee drafted a proposal that was submitted to the Florida legislature and passed into law in 2019. The article describes the features and purposes of the legislation which adds an option for married Floridian's planning for the disposition of their home through their will or trust. , Co-Author, Homestead Planning under Florida's New "Safe Harbor" Statute, Legal, 2019
- Presented an update on Florida's Elective Share Laws as part of Palm Beach Atlantic University's Probate and Pumpernickel Series, Author, Lecturer, Elective Share and Spousal Rights – 2018 Update, Legal, 2018
- Presented a lecture and materials as part of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section's 2018 Legislative Update, Author, Lecturer, New Safe Harbors for Spouses When Dealing with Homestead Devise Restrictions and Doc Stamps, Attorneys, 2018
- Presented an update on Florida's Elective Share Laws as part of a seminar coordinated by The Florida Tax Law Section, Lecturer, Author, Another Dance with Florida’s Elective Share Statute, Legal, Tax, 2018
- Presented lecture and written matterials for a probate seminer coordinated by the National Business Insitutute, Author, Lecturer, Closing the Estate, Legal, 2018
- Presented a lecture and seminar materials for the Asset Protection Committee of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. , Author, Lecturer, Trust Protectors, 2017
- Lecture and written materials for a Webinar presented by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. , Author, Lecturer, Home Sweet Homestead, 2017
- Presented a lecture and written materials for the Estate Planning Section of the Collier County Bar Association. , Author, Lecturer, Homestead, 2017
- Presented a lecture and written materials for the annual Wills, Trusts and Estates Certification Review Course presented by the Real Property, Probtate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. , Author, Lecturer, The Spouse’s Elective Share, Legal, 2017
- Presented a lecture on Florida's Homestead Laws for the Florida Academy of Elder Law Attorneys., Author, Lecturer, Homestead, Legal, 2017
- Presented lecture and written materials for a seminar presented by the Young Lawyer's Division of The Florida Bar. , Author, Lecturer, Homestead, Legal, 2016
- Participated in a panel discussion concerning fiduciary duties. , Panelist, The Clash Between Fiduciaries, Legal, 2016
- Provided lecture and seminar materials for the St. Petersburg Estate Planning Council. , Author, Lecturer, Homestead, Legal, 2016
- Provided lecture and written materials for a meeting of the Asset Protection Committee of the American College of Trust and Estate Council. , Author, Lecturer, An Update on Trust Protectors, Legal, 2016
- Presented a lecture and written materials for a meeting of the Florida Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Council. , Author, Lecturer, Public Policy and Florida's Homestead Waivers, Legal, 2015
- Presented lecture and written materials for a meeting of the Sarasota County Bar Association. , Author, Lecturer, Homestead in 2014 – What’s New and What’s Still Unclear, 2014
- Presented a lecture and written matierals for Palm Beach Atlantic University's Probate and Pumpernickel lecture series. , Author, Lecturer, New Statute Prohibiting Gifts to Lawyers, 2014
- Presented a lecture and written materials to the Venice Estate Planning Council. , Author, Lecturer, Revocable Trusts and Homestead, 2013
- Presented a lecture and written materials as part of the Probate and Pumpernickel lecture series sponsored by Palm Beach Atlantic University. , Author, Lecturer, Till Death Do Us Part – Rights of Surviving Spouses, Legal, 2013
- Presented a lecture and written materials for the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. , Author, Lecturer, The Suicide Squeeze – Revocable Trusts and Homestead, Legal, 2013
- Prepared and presented "Florida Homestead - 144 Years of Protection" to the Sarasota chapter of Probate and Pumpernickle., Author and Lecturer, Florida Homestead - 144 Years of Protection, 2012
- Served as a panelist during an estate planning seminar presented by the Tampa Bay Research Institute. , Panelist, Conflicts of Interest for Estate Planning Professionals, 2012
- Presented "Florida Homestead - Opportunities and Pitfalls" for the Manatee County Estate Planning Council., Presenter, Florida Homestead - Opportunities and Pitfalls, 2011
- Prepared and presented An Overview of Trusts; Revocable Living Trusts; and Ethical Considerations for a National Business Institute continuing legal education semianr., Lecturer and Author, Trusts 101, 2011
- Prepared and presented topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Basic Tax Considerations; Ethics and Estate Planning; and Planning Methods to Control Medical Treatment., Lecturer and Author, Drafting Effective Wills and Trusts, 2011
- Prepared and presented seminar topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Closing the Estate and Other Issues; Ethical Considerations., Lecturer and Author, The Probate Process from A to Z, 2010
- Prepared and presented materials for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Ethical Considerations, Lecturer and Author, Special Needs Trusts, 2010
- Prepared and presented seminar topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Ethics; The Mechanics of Drafting Trusts., Lecturer and Author, Navigating the Trust Process, 2010
- Prepared and presented seminar topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Considerations for Collectin gthe Assets, Preparing the Inventory, and Handling Claims Against the Estate., Lecturer and Author, Estate Administration Procedures: Why Each Step is Important, 2010
- Prepared and presented "Real Estate and Planing Issues in Today's Loss Mitigation Environment., Lecturer and Author, The Last Guardian Standing, 2010
- Prepared and presented seminar topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Initiating the Probate Process; Spouse's Rights and Family Maintenance., Lecturer and Author, Probate Practice: The Essential Basics, 2009
- Presented "Probate, Trusts and Real Estate" at a meeting of the Manatee Assocaition of Realtors, Inc., Lecturer and Author, Probate Trusts and Real Estate, 2009
- Presented topics for a National Business Institute Continuing Legal Education seminar: Annual Exclusion Gifting; Charitable Giving; Qualified Personal Residence Trusts; and Supplemental Needs Trusts., Lecturer and Author, Top Ten Estate Planning Techniques, 2009
- Prepared and presented "The Spouse's Rights and Family Maintenance Concerns for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar., Lecturer and Author, Fundamental Probate Procedures and Practice, 2009
- Prepared and presented topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Ethical Considerations (lecture and written materials); Understanding the Specifics of Different Types of Trusts (ecture only)., Trust Administration: Overcomming Challenges Before and After the Grantor's Death, 2009
- Presented "In Your Client's Best Interests - Ethical Considerations for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar., Lecturer and Author, An Attorney's Guide to Asset Protection, 2009
- Prepared and presented topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Understanding the Role of the Personal Representative; Managing the Inventory; Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice., Lecturer and Author, The Probate Process from Start to Finish, 2008
- Prepared and presented materials for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Funding Marital Deduction Trusts; Maintainng an Ethical Balance., Lecturer and Author, Marital Deduction Trusts: A Comprehensive Analysis, 2008
- Prepared and presented materials for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Considerations for Collecting the Assets, Preparing the Inventory, and Handling Claims Against the Estate; Ethical Challenges in Estate Administration., Lecturer and Author, Estate Administration Procedures: Why Each Step is Important, 2008
- Prepared and presented three topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Addressing Perplexing Ethical Issues; Solutions to Special Issues; and Overcoming LIabilities, Challenges, and Managing Distributions., Lecturer and Author, Oddities and Challenges in Probate, 2008
- Prepared and presented two topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Ethical Challenges in Estate Administration; and Managing the Inventory., Lecturer and Author, The Probate Process from Start to Finish, 2007
- Prepared and presnted two topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Ethics in Estate Planning; Choice of Trustees and the Use of Trusts in Estate Planning., Lecturer and Author, Sophisticated Estate Planning, 2007
- Prepared and presented two topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Ethical Challenges in Estate Administration; Considerations for Collecting Assets, Preparing the Inventory, and Handling Claims Against the Estate., Lecturer and Author, Estate Administration Procedures: Why Each Step is Important, 2007
- The article addressed the complications encountered by Florida practitioners in using Florida homestead to fund a revocable trust, including ad valorem property tax issues, constitutional restrictions on devise of homestead, and creditor protection issues., Author, Funding Trusts With Homestead - Should You Trust a Chameleon?, The Action Line, a Publication of the Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, 2007
- Contributed written materials and lectured on the subject of ethics for probate practitioners as part of a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar., Speaker, Author, Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice, 2006
- Served as an instructor for the Attorneys Title Insurance Fund in its Paralegal Certification and Placement Program., Instructor, Paralegal Certification and Placement Program, 2005
- Lectured and contributed written materials on ethical issues for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Maintaining an Ethical Balance in Probate Practice., Lecturer, Contributing Author, The Probate Process from Start to Finish, 2006
- Contributed written materials and lecutred on three topics for a National Business Institute continuing legal education seminar: Putting the Case to Rest/Closing the Estate; Liting the Case in Probate Court; and Determining if the Spouse's Elective Share is an Option., Lecturer, Contributing Author, The Probate Process from Start to Finish, 2012
- Prepared seminar materials, lectured, and moderated a panel discussion about Florida's New Power of Attorney Act for the Manatee County Bar Association., Lecturer, Author, Moderator, Florida's New Power of Attorney Act, 2011
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Soldier of the Year, 844th Engineer Battalion, United States Arny Reserves, 1988
Office location for Jeffrey S. Goethe
3119 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Selections
9 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2025
Certificates and credentials
Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization
Wills, Trust and Estates
Wills, Trust and Estates
