Michael Ray Goodson

Michael Ray Goodson

4.4
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 11 years

Family Lawyer at Fort Walton Beach, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Child Support ... +3 more

909 Mar Walt Drive, Suite 1014, Fort Walton Beach, FL

About Michael

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 11 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2014

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Anchors Smith Grimsley PLC

909 Mar Walt Drive, Suite 1014, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547

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Michael Ray Goodson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

40 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Sabrina | August 09, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great attorney!

Mr. Goodson was wonderful to work with. I hired him after I realized the attorney I had before him wasn't doing anything for my case. I am very glad I did! He got my odd divorce situation straightened out and done and finalized in 13 months! I never thought I'd get divorced and thanks to him, I did! ...I definitely recommend him and the Virga law firm to anyone who needs things done right and within a timely manner! Thank you, Mr.Goodson!

Posted by Chad | June 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family

Incredible Service from Michael Goodson and Virga Law Firm

I was in the worst place when I needed a good family lawyer. Virga Law Firm, where Michael practices, popped up in my google search when I was desperately browsing for options and leaving a law firm that wasn't doing good for me. Michael is sharp, well-educated beyond law, funny, and extremely att...entive to details and the process. He makes you feel safe and secure, which is priceless when all the drama of divorce is happening. He helped me get a great deal which is another priceless element of the experience. Michael is confident, chill, and just all around balanced and professional.

Posted by Tracey | June 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Dissolution of Marriage

I hired Mr Goodson to provide Simple Dissolution of Marriage services He promised and provided exactly the representation I needed in a Professional dedicated and extremely courteous manner Look no further for an attorney Hire Mr Goodson now!

Posted by Nick | October 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Michael Goodson is awesome!

Michael Goodson helped me with a civil issue in 2017. I find myself needing his services again, and have rehired him. He is a wonderful guy, very formal in the courtroom but will explain things concisely. I would recommend Mike to anyone needing civil law or family services!

Posted by Ilaria Harrach | August 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Outstanding lawyer, exceptional skills, caring nature, beyond expectations

Michael Goodson has been my lawyer for almost 2 years. Our final ruling is pending so I do not actually know how things will turn out for my child custody case yet. However, I must say, that I’m extremely happy about how Michael handled my case throughout this divorce case and during deposition, trai...l and every day interactions. I really believe he’s the best you can find. He truly cares about his client but he also is, with no doubts, extremely highly skilled and competent. He’s a well rounded professional figure and his 360 years degree professional background really comes to light. He just didn’t provide the most realistic, professional and sensible advice he also shined during challenging times, without breaking a sweat and providing the outmost support beyond expectations. I really feel good about the fact that no matter how my case will end, he did his very best and then some to represent me in the most competent, caring, knowledgeable way he possible could. He supported me through it all, even when sometimes my opinion did not match his. Guess what? He was ALWAYS right and he was really ALWAYS looking out for my child best interest and mine. I have not enough good things to say about Mr. Goodson. I hired him after a really good search about lawyers in the area, having heard that he was the best. He is. I picked him because his professional experience with different topics, from music performance to criminal cases made him, in my eyes, the most well rounded lawyer in the area and I was not wrong. Wether or not my case end up the way I do hope and wish, I feel like he did everything he could and then some, with excellent, superior skills, that far exceeded my expectations. If you are debating about hiring a lawyer, look no forward. He’s the guy. I’m grateful that we crossed paths no matter what the ruling will be. Thank you Michael you are a true ethical talented lawyer, hard to find nowadays! Extra bonus. Should you go to trial, he can handle it extremely well and his expertise, experience, caring nature and good advice will also help you to feel like you are well represented, calm and positive about his true outstanding efforts, no matter what.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Ray Goodson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Jenna Garmon headshot
Jenna Garmon

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Michael Thomas Webster headshot
Michael Webster

Family lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Eric Ray Garmon headshot
Eric Garmon

Family lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Andrew Donald Wheeler headshot
Andrew Wheeler

Family lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a sharp and aggressive attorney who fights for his clients."

Michael A. Wynn headshot
Michael Wynn

Family lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

Kimberly Ann Shouppe headshot
Kimberly Shouppe

Unknown lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Other

"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."

Erin Elizabeth Baur headshot
Erin Baur

Family lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

JerriLynn Hadley headshot
JerriLynn Hadley

Unknown lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is aa smart hard working litigator."

Christopher Luis Melendez headshot
Christopher Melendez

Family lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Gerard Matthew Virga Jr. headshot
Gerard Virga

Family lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Michael is an excellent attorney, who really cares about his clients. He works hard and is attentive to his clients' needs."

Jonathan Wesley Dingus headshot
Jonathan Dingus

Family lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Stanley Eugene Peacock headshot
Stanley Peacock

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Jenna Garmon headshot
Jenna Garmon

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Reldon Leininger headshot
Michael Leininger

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Thomas Webster headshot
Michael Webster

Family lawyer

Eric Ray Garmon headshot
Eric Garmon

Insurance lawyer

Andrew Donald Wheeler headshot
Andrew Wheeler

Divorce and separation lawyer

Devin D Collier headshot
Devin Collier

Unknown lawyer

Rusty Shepard headshot
Rusty Shepard

Criminal defense lawyer

Kimberly Ann Shouppe headshot
Kimberly Shouppe

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Foster Boyette headshot
Robert Boyette

Family lawyer

Erin Elizabeth Baur headshot
Erin Baur

Family lawyer

Douglas Blake Dykes headshot
Douglas Dykes

Car accident lawyer

Gerard Matthew Virga Jr. headshot
Gerard Virga

Family lawyer

Matthew J. Ausley headshot
Matthew Ausley

Unknown lawyer

JerriLynn Hadley headshot
JerriLynn Hadley

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

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 Section

Member

2014 - Present

Kiwanis International

Volunteer

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Alternate Dispute Resolution and Mediation Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Continuing Legal Education Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Children's Issues Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Domestic Violence Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Equitable Distribution Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Litigation Support Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Floridar Bar, Family Law Membership Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Publications Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Rules Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Sponsorship Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Support Issues Committee

Member

2018 - 2019

Florida Bar, Family Law Technology Committee

Member

2013 - 2013

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc.

Volunteer

Education

2020

University of Florida

Master of Business Administration

2014

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2011

University of Florida

Master of Music

2009

University of Florida

BS - Bachelor of Science

2009

University of Florida

Bachelor of Music

Speaking Engagements

2019

Hurlburt Field

Military Issues in Florida Family Law

2017

Kiwanis chapter meeting

Current topics in family and criminal law

2016

Northwest Florida Collaborative Law Group info session

Collaborative Law

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution