John Creighton Goede

John’s community association law practice, is comprised of Cooperatives, Timeshares, Mobile Homes, Condominiums, and Home Owner Associations. John has been on the forefront of Association law and progressive in the collection of assessments and other financial obligations owed his Association clients. John is also responsible for record setting construction defect settlements for Associations after turnover. John also has extensive experience in drafting community association documents and amendments, which includes taking the project from design to completion, and assisting developers in all aspects of the sales and marketing.

John’s legal background includes experience in wealth planning and preservation has provided him with the ability to create estate plans for clients to meet their needs and expectations. John advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, including generational planning, asset protection and charitable giving. He works closely with his clients and their other advisors to create and implement personally tailored strategies to preserve assets and transmit wealth while minimizing transfer taxes. John advises both US based and foreign nationals on the appropriate use of trust, partnerships, LLCs and other vehicles to achieve their planning goals. John also counsels fiduciaries and financial institutions in connection with the administration of trusts and estates, including probate proceedings, state and federal gift tax return preparation and audits, and trust and estate accounting proceedings. In addition he advises individuals and fiduciaries in disputes involving Wills and trusts.

John also regularly consults on the formation of Florida entities. From the formation of a Florida corporation, limited liability company, partnership, professional entity, not for profit corporation, and sole proprietorship, John has significant experience in advising clients on choosing the best entity while providing strategy for the protection of assets (both business and personal) and tax liability. John also handles Business Mergers and Acquisitions, Buy/Sell Agreements, Corporate Transitions, as well of a wide range of general corporate matters for a multitude of local businesses.

John is very involved in the local community as well, and dedicates his time helping and giving back. He is currently a Board Member and acts as the Legal Counsel for the Naples International Film Festival, a 501(c)3 charity. The festival funds educational initiatives in the arts and film for students in southwest Florida. John was instrumental in securing their tax exempt status and provides comprehensive legal advice to the charity on an ongoing basis. Additionally, John is a member of the Executive Board and acts as General Counsel for the non–profit N.A.P.L.E.S. group. He serves on this small business focused not–for–profit and offers his time helping them solve their legal issues. Haven on Earth Animal Shelter also benefits from John’s legal experience with Charities. He also advises the charity on an ongoing basis and serves the Shelter in a pro bono capacity.