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Michelle A. Goff
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Michelle A. Goff
The Law Offices of Michell A. Goff
455 University Avenue
Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95825
Phone: (916) 923-3442 | Fax: (916) 923-3453
http://www.sactrustattorneys.com/
Estate Planning, Trust, Probate Certified Specialist
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I assist families or individuals in need of estate planning, assistance in trust administration or assistance as a personal representative in probate matters.
Sub-Categories
Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Property Taxes
- Tax Planning
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Guardianship
- Power of Attorney
- Business Succession Planning
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1998
Bar Number: 196021
Specialty Certifications
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Other Court Admissions
United States Tax Court, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Association Memberships
Sacramento Bar Association, California State Bar Association, Sacramento Estate Planning Council, and Women's Lawyers of Sacramento.
Continuing Education
I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours required.
Example Cases
I have drafted estate plans for single, married and registered domestic partners.
I have drafted and established special needs trusts for beneficiaries receiving litigation settlements which would otherwise disqualify them for their benefits.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Westmont College
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Year:
1993
Focus and Accomplishments:
Economics and Business
Degree:
MSBA - Taxation and MBA
School:
Cal State University Sacramento
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Year:
2002
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
McGeorge School of Law
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Year:
1997
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
In the Spring of 2004, I opened my own practice to enable myself to spend more time doing what I love, have a flexible schedule so that I can attend my children's' outings and field trips while still being able to give my clients the very best service possible.
My office is focused on handling the needs of clients in estate planning, probate and trust law. We do not practice in any other field of law.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked a number of years with a local Sacramento firm who focused on the estate and trust practice. When I established my own firm in 2004 most of my prior clients followed me.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I appreciate clients informing themselves of their needs, but I want my clients to be able to remain open to my ideas and suggestions.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review clients' documents, but it is usually more cost effective to the client if my office prepares the documents so that I do not have to review every one of them. I am comfortable with my documents and know that all the provisions I feel are important are already there.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
There are too many nuances in estate planning to be able to effectively coach a client.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My parents told me that at the age of two, I informed them that I was going to be a lawyer when I grew up. I never shifted from that goal.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
A few years back, I lost a very dear friend. I then helped his family through the probate process which has truly opened my eyes to the grief and pain a family goes through. I try to use the knowledge gained to treat all my clients with empathy and patience.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I love working with clients to help them achieve their goals and to help minimize the potential for discard down the road.
What do you like best about your career?
I love counseling my clients to help educate them about how their estate can be handled.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am currently a solo practitioner, so all my clients deal directly with me. However, I have a wonderful paralegal who is my right hand. She is finishing her last year of law school. Clients love how she helps with whatever she can.
What are your strengths and style?
I try to put my clients to ease with the use of small tack humor. Many clients wait to plan their estates until they are facing a major surgery. I try to calm them down and make our time together as stress free as possible.
Having personally gone through the painful and grief stricken time of my best friend's probate, it has given me personal insights into what my clients go through.
Personal Interests:
I love spending my free time with my husband and our two children. But, if I am not with them, I can be found cooking, reading or working out at the gym.
Office Manager/Assistant
Julie Presiar.
Fax
(916) 923-3453
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Probate fees are set by statute. Most new clients requesting a trust package are given a fixed price quote at the end of the free initial consultation. All other work is done hourly.
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial consultation for estate planning and probate clients only.
Typical Retainer
It depends on the circumstances. Usually, if required, the retainer will be between $2,000 and $5,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
