Jeffrey S. Goethe

Jeffrey S. Goethe, Esq., is a board-certified wills, trusts, and estates attorney who has been serving clients across Florida for more than three decades. Raised in Bradenton, he has dedicated his career to guiding families and individuals through probate, trust administration, estate planning, and related litigation. Known for his legal scholarship and practical approach, Goethe has earned recognition as a trusted advocate and counselor in complex estate matters.

Goethe earned his B.A. in History from Maryville College, where he balanced academics with collegiate football, and went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1990. During law school, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves and later transferred to the Florida National Guard, where he served until 1992. His military service instilled discipline and leadership that continue to shape his professional practice today.

Goethe has authored and co-authored numerous articles and chapters on probate and trust law for The Florida Bar Journal and official Florida Bar publications. He has been an active leader in professional organizations, including serving on the Executive Council of The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, chairing committees on probate procedure and homestead issues, and leading the Florida Probate Rules Committee. His commitment to advancing legal practice has also earned him awards such as the Robert C. Scott Memorial Award and the John Arthur Jones Annual Service Award.

Jeffrey S. Goethe’s professional excellence is reflected in his AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, “Super Lawyer” recognition, and repeated inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®. As a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Goethe stands among the nation’s leading estate planning professionals. He continues to provide experienced, compassionate, and skilled representation to clients in probate, trusts, and estate planning throughout Florida.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Barnes, Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea & Robinson, PLLC
• Member, The Florida Bar
• Member, The Florida Bar, Elder Law Section
• Member, Manatee County Bar Association (1991-present)
• Member, The Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
• Member, American Bar Association, Real Property, Trusts and Estates Section
• Past Chair, Florida Probate Rules Committee
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2020-present)
• Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (2014 to present)

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• University of Tennessee College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Maryville College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges