Who I Am

I grew up in Cincinnati and attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Soon after graduating law school in 2003, I started my own law practice. With an entrepreneurial spirit, I began a general practice representing clients in various areas of law. In these first years of practice, I gained valuable in-court experience. I also learned the importance of communication: listening to your client's goals and communicating with them about their case are essential aspects of being a lawyer.

In 2005, I was selected to be a Magistrate at the Hamilton County Probate Court. I served in that role until 2008. This was a formative experience in my legal career. As a Magistrate, I reviewed and approved filings, presided over court hearings in both routine and contested cases, and issued decisions. In the thousands of cases that came before me, I saw countless examples of good decisions that led to cases being completed successfully. And I also saw countless examples of problems that can arise in cases. I draw on this experience when counseling my clients: I look for the best path forward while anticipating pitfalls that could arise so that they can be avoided.

Why I Practice Law

I left my position as a Magistrate to start my own law practice because I wanted to work directly with clients to help them solve problems. My clients call me during difficult and stressful times in their lives. They might ask me for guidance on how to handle the affairs after a loved one has passed away. Or they might ask me what can be done when a parent has declined mentally and can no longer take care of themselves. My clients are often unfamiliar with the legal system and unsure where to start. I do everything in my power to bring clarity and peace of mind to the situation by explaining the options in a straightforward manner and walking through the process together with my client.

I choose to practice law as a sole practitioner so that I can give my clients one-on-one attention. If you hire me, I will take personal ownership of your case and I will be the one working with you. Your case will not be assigned to an associate or paralegal. I am approachable and easy to communicate with in whatever way is most convenient for you: phone, email, or text message.

One of things I am most grateful for is that my law practice has allowed me to represent so many exceptional people. My clients have come from so many walks of life and have been inspiring people in both their personal and professional lives. That they have trusted me with their most important legal issues is a great honor.

Areas of Focus

I handle all types of cases that are filed in Probate Court, including:

• Estate Administration
• Trust Administration
• Estate Tax Return Preparation
• Guardianship
• Estate Planning
• Adoption
• Name Change
• Minor Settlement
• Wrongful Death Settlement
• Probate Litigation, including:
  • Will Contest
  • Will Construction
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty
  • Misappropriation of Assets
  • Determination of Heirship

Certified Specialist

In January 2017, I was Certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. This specialist credential recognizes attorneys who possess an enhanced level of skill and expertise in their practice area. To obtain the specialist designation, I completed a rigorous application process, which required me to receive favorable recommendations from my peers, show substantial involvement in my field, complete additional continuing legal education courses, and pass a written examination. 

Community Involvement

Goode Becomes President of Board

Community service is vital to me. I have been a Trustee on the Board of Trustees of Pro Seniors, Inc. since 2011 and was elected President of the Board from April 2018 to April 2020. Pro Seniors is a nonprofit that provides ombudsman and legal services to Ohioans over 60. Pro Seniors' mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life of older adults by empowering them, by protecting their interests and by facilitating their access to resources.

I was the Chair of the U.C. Blue Ash College Alumni Council from 2013 to 2017. In that role, I helped lead alumni involvement in the college. The alumni council developed a student mentoring program and helped plan events that raised funds for student scholarships.

I served as a Member of the Hamilton County Public Defender Commission from December 2016 to July 2017. I also served as a Member of the Cincinnati Bar Association Administration and Finance Committee, helping steward the organization's budget.

Wills for First Responders

I am a volunteer attorney for Wills for First Responders, a joint pro bono program by the Cincinnati Paralegal Association and the Hamilton County Probate Court. The program was established after the September 11th attacks as a way to give back to those who put their lives at risk in the line of duty. Local attorneys and paralegals gather for all-day events to prepare free estate planning documents for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.

Personal

I live in Anderson Township with my wife and 8-year-old son. My 19-year old daughter attends Ohio State University. We love to attend Horizon Community Church.