Michael Ray Goodson
About Michael
Biography
I am a Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. I exclusively practice marital and family law.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 11 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Anchors Smith Grimsley PLC
909 Mar Walt Drive, Suite 1014, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Michael Ray Goodson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
40 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 40 reviews
Posted by anonymous | March 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
An attorney that leads with integrity and empathy
Mr. Goodson is truly exceptional. He took on my case and advocated fiercely on my behalf. He leads with empathy, knows the law inside and out, and made me feel supported every step of the way. I’m incredibly grateful for him and his entire team.
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Arrogant, chaotic mess!
Never ever, just don't. When I first consulted I felt like he was congenial, knowledgeable, and gave me the impression he cared. His nasty mouth and lack of returning any phone calls and a bill for simply leaving a voicemail is unbelievable. I never should have paid 7500 for f this and f that and be...
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Far from my expectations ethically
Please be careful when hiring an attorney, especially if you are in any vulnerable position. I have major concerns about this one based on my personal experience and believe it is only fair to warn others about this unfortunate situation. Without explaining all the details, I’d suggest you very caref...
Posted by Steve | July 16, 2025
Thorough Consult
Mr. Goodson is a personable, professional attorney. He provided a clear path forward on my case and even solicited professional input from a relevant government office during the consult. Following the consult I had complete understanding of case intricacies. That said, I highly recommend Mr. Goods...
Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Worst divorce attorney in Florida
DO NOT HIRE!! Waited 2 and half years for my final hearing and the day of he calls in sick! Horrible communication from him and his entire staff. If you DONT want to see your children again hire him. Absolutely the worst.
Michael Ray Goodson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Goodson is a passionate, highly knowledgeable, and talented attorney. I have had the privilege of working under his supervision and then alongside him in numerous family law cases. Throughout every proceeding, Mr. Goodson has always treated his clients with respect, giving each case the time and attention necessary to reach a resolution. Additionally, he is a force to be reckoned with in the court room. I highly endorse this attorney for any family law matter a client may face."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Goodson is always professional, courteous, knowledgeable, and well prepared. He is rapidly developing into a top-tier family law attorney."
"Mr. Goodson is a tireless advocate for his clients. He shows constant professionalism and I would trust him to handle any family law matter a potential client could face."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a sharp and aggressive attorney who fights for his clients."
"Mike always strives to represent clients with the highest level of integrity and efficiency. If he is on your case, you are certainly in good hands!"
"I knew Mr. Goodson when we were boh prosecutors at the State Attorney's Office in Bay County. He now practices family law and criminal defense. He is a consummate professional dedicated to his client's and their cause. I highly endorse Mr. Goodson."
"I endorse Mr. Goodson fully. I first witnessed Mr. Goodson's advocacy skills when we were opposing counsels. He is an attorney committed to zealously advocating for his clients and reaching their litigation goals. I am proud to call him a colleague."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is aa smart hard working litigator."
"I work with Mike at the Virga Law Firm. Mike is a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney whom I regularly consult with in developing my case strategy. Described by many of our clients as a "shark", he brings his previous experience as a state attorney and tenacity as a prosecutor."
"Michael is an excellent attorney, who really cares about his clients. He works hard and is attentive to his clients' needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael does a good job. He is knowledgeable about the facts of The cases he works on and the facts of his cases"
"Michael Ray Goodson is a former assistant state attorney and now practices family law. He has always been well prepared and professional in his manner in my contacts with him. He is also active in the local Kiwanis Club and I have had the opportunity to see him in and out of court. His positive manner and civility in court and in the community is commendable and refreshing in the practice of law in Florida."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Insurance lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Car accident lawyer
Family lawyer
Unknown lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Rising Star, American Institute of Legal Advocates
2016
Best Attorney runner-up, Best of Bay 2016
2016
Best Law Firm, Best of Bay 2016
N/A
Top 40 Under 40, American Academy of Attorneys
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Attorney and Counselor at Law, Anchors Smith Grimsley, PLC
2016 - 2022
Attorney, The Virga Law Firm, P.A.
2014 - 2016
Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney for the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida
2013 - 2014
Certified Legal Intern, University of Florida Family Advocacy Clinic
2013 - 2013
Certified Legal Intern, Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit Florida
Associations
2017 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember
2014 - Present
Kiwanis InternationalVolunteer
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Alternate Dispute Resolution and Mediation CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Continuing Legal Education CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Children's Issues CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Domestic Violence CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Equitable Distribution CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Litigation Support CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Floridar Bar, Family Law Membership CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Publications CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Rules CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Sponsorship CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Support Issues CommitteeMember
2018 - 2019
Florida Bar, Family Law Technology CommitteeMember
2013 - 2013
Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.Volunteer
Education
2020
Master of Business Administration
2014
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
Master of Music
2009
BS - Bachelor of Science
2009
Bachelor of Music
Speaking Engagements
2019
Military Issues in Florida Family Law
2017
Current topics in family and criminal law
2016
Collaborative Law
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
What are my rights as an unwed mother in FL as far as withholding my child from her father's house where I feel she is not safe?
30 Apr 2019
Can I file a modification to my alimony? I have no children and can not find a job
08 Jan 2017
What do I do when my spouse in on house arrest in another state and I'm petitioning for divorce?
12 Dec 2016