Testimonials
Our law firm sent out an email to our clients, colleagues and friends requesting their opinion regarding our firm and its operations. Within less than 2 weeks we received the testimonials listed below. Almost every one of the respondents said it was okay for us to list their name and business; however, because of the confidentiality of the attorney/client relationship; we elected to list only the occupation of the respondent so as to protect their confidentiality.
“I have always received competent, friendly, and concerned service in my dealings with the firm. The necessary time, energy, and resources have been spent consistently to get the job done in a timely, effective, and efficient manner. When deemed to be desirable, additional outside counsel has been recommended to be certain that the needed expertise is available.” (Business owner)
''.........Imagination........knowledge of the law..........attention to detail........long-term big picture thinking – This is GMF!!!” (Business President)
“I have known John Goodson and his daughter, Christine for many years. They are committed to their clients. When you call, their response is "When can we help?" John has an insight to law that solves problems others see as impossible. If there is a way, John will find it, and the client benefits. Christine is what every client wants in an attorney – straight up, clear sighted, and focused. These individuals enjoy practicing law.“ (Physicist)
“We especially like the care and concern that John and staff have for their clients...they are more than fair on their billings and we really are appreciative of the ability to have after hours consultations with John... We are thankful and grateful for all his advice and assistance! John and the firm have given us peace of mind, that our estate is rock solid and secure.” (Health spa owner)
"The thing I like best about GMF is that they question you carefully and then from a window outside of your own and with a familiarity with the law, shows you clearly with their legal architecture what they would do if they were in your shoes. They don't insist that it is MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY though. From a discussion of what you will do they generate an ACTION ITEM list that you and your Advisors can do to make it happen... incredible thoroughness!!!!” (Financial planner)
“They aren't just attorneys; they become part of the family. They are available for all types of legal matters. You can quote me on this.” (Farming business owner)
“GMF was recommended to my husband and me by a friend and thanks to her I now feel safe and protected by a knowledgeable team; it is an incredibly good feeling.
"I had been trying for years to put together an asset protection, estate plan and had spent a ton of money on different attorneys. I could never get any definitive answers or anything to show for the money we spent. I had read several books on all the different subjects and had tried to do some stuff but it was all disjointed. My husband and I had businesses in Seattle, investments in Oregon and a business and home in Arizona. I was driven to find a solution because we had gone through a frivolous lawsuit where I was afraid we were going to loose everything. We also have a complicated set up and needed help with estate and tax planning so our heirs will have an easy time with our affairs. Any time we tried to do something our attorney in Seattle would want to talk to an attorney in Oregon and then in Arizona building up a three professional bill. My husband cannot stand attorneys and spending money on them and told me no more! Luckily my friend talked my husband into giving GMF a try by showing him all they had done for her.
"It took us a while to get an appointment and it took me hours to fill out the preliminary questionnaires but once we met, I was amazed at how productive and efficient the whole plan and process went. The flow chart and plan they put together is genius and thorough. They are brilliant, creative, organized, detailed, efficient, quick witted and friendly and do all they can to minimize billing. We have saved more in taxes by their recommendations than we have spent on their bill not to mention the value of feeling protected. They recommended a new accountant that is the best we have had and can do all of our companies returns. When ever I need help, I just make an appointment and they are there for me. My husband even likes them. They are a one stop shop for us with all of our general business, estate, probate, asset protection and tax savings ideas in all three states.
"I feel blessed to have their team standing behind and advising us.” (Business owner)
“I have known and worked with John and his staff for many years. They are the best. Their handling of difficult estate, trust and business matters turns the difficult into a well designed plan that clients really appreciate. I look forward to working with them for a long time to come.” (CPA)
“I have had the pleasure of experiencing first hand John Goodson's client interview/ counseling approach to dealing with income tax and estate planning client/ prospects.
"He uses a very methodical and logical manner of obtaining key information from clients and then showing and explaining to them diagrammatically how the use of various entity and trust combinations provides them with the solutions to the income and estate tax problems they (the client) encounter.
"His methods provide a clear understanding to his clients of the how and why of his planning recommendations. Giving the client a printed copy of the interview graphic is also very helpful.
"Also, several years ago, I was working on a 706 for a client whose wife had recently deceased. I had run into a technical roadblock that required the existence of a not very well understood document that had to have the deceased wife's signature on it. After a phone call to my client he deliver a certified copy of the required document to me several hours later; I was amazed that John had the foresight to prepare this document and get the it executed when most attorneys would not have included this particular document in their estate planning package! This foresight save my client both money and grief!
"I am very impressed with both John and his firm.” (CPA)
"I was impressed with how professional the lawyers were but yet made you feel at home, like good old home town folk. Easy to talk to and good listeners. A pleasure to do business with and would recommend to ANYONE.” (Management consultant)
“I have been doing business with the Goodson Law Firm for over 20 Years!
" During that time we have developed a friendship with John Goodson. They say a business made out of friends is short lived, but a friendship made out of business is ever lasting. Thru the years they have helped me thru business and personal matters, very successfully I might add. It seems if they can’t handle the problem, they know someone who can. They are people you can rely on and trust.
"I strongly recommend GMF for your Legal Needs.” (Wholesaler)
“Finding an Estate Planning Firm is not easy, finding one you can count on is almost impossible! The team at GMF made my family feel comfortable and protected when we needed it most. A time of pain should not be aggravated by legalities and legal requirements, in a perfect world it would not even exist. They crafted a well balanced approach to deal with what was required; she did an even better job to honor the man she was ultimately working for, my father...” (CEO)
“I've come to know Christine Forakis and John Goodson over the years as professionals and friends. Their firm offers a wealth of knowledge and ethics to the community, their clients, and the business of law. It's been my pleasure and honor to work with them as well as learn from them.” (Real estate broker)
“Our first experience with GMF law was friendly and very educational. The information provided to us as well as the answers to our questions were put in 'every-day talk' so that we could understand. There was not only information provided to us but also examples and homework to get us involved and brought our awareness to a higher level.
"We were referred to GMF law by a friend who has used them for several years. GMF law made us feel as though we were part of their 'family' for just as long. The information, once understood, was deemed critical enough to us that we informed our families to seek help from GMF law.
"We appreciate their proactive drive in ensuring our information is up-to-date and applicable for not only the current time but also future.” (Landscaping business owner)
“The law firm of Goodson Manley Forakis is completely different than most law firms. After 20 years of helping clients advise their financial matters, I have found a law firm I feel comfortable doing joint work for the benefit of my clients. Their approach is a different process than what I have experienced from other attorneys.
"Yes, there is a distinct difference between what John Goodson does and what most other attorneys do. Most other attorneys work to - reduce the estate taxes, build a solid asset protection strategy, set up legal documents to avoid liabilities, save on federal and state taxes, etc. to improve the client's current situation. While this is important and what a good attorney should do, there is more. How Goodson Manley Forakis are different is they work closely with my clients to develop and maintain a focus of their vision of the future to achieve the outcomes the client wants as well as attention to current issues.
"This philosophy leads to a preferred outcome by design. It allows the client to accomplish the things truly important to them by creating and achieving the life my client really wants with "preventative law." For these reasons, I would highly recommend the law firm of Goodson Manley Forakis.” (DB)
“I want to extend my appreciation to your firm, GMF Law, for being there to help my aunt and uncle in their decisions to update their trust and their move to Arizona. Christine called me back in Florida to assist me in assisting them. John talked to my aunt and uncle with reassurance to help them know they were making the right decisions. It made us feel ready for anything. Also, thanks to my new knowledge of legal documents from your law firm's website and Christine's talks. I had my daughter fill out the important documents before she went to Spain. It came in handy when she misplaced her wallet and I had to work with her bank to get her money to her. I never would have been able to do that without the Power-of-Attorney document filled out.” (Web master)
"The best always" should be the motto of the John Goodson law firm. I have been a client over ten years and they have always delivered the best advice and legal counsel ever...” (Businessman)
“When my husband and I were planning our wedding a few years ago, we wanted to make sure we had a legal plan to keep our current and future assets safe. Our life circumstances and careers have already made significant changes since that time but our original documents have grown with us quite well. As we are both in the medical/dental profession, it is comforting to have help with potential asset protection, like carrying an umbrella to keep the sun shining.” (Anonymous)
“I am very impressed with Mr. Goodson's way of explaining what estate planning is to me, I am sure that I am not his biggest client but he treats me like one. I am also very touched by the loving way he talks about his wife and how they met in Germany when he was a soldier during 2nd world war. Long time no see, wish you the best!” (Physician)
“We have used GMF over the past 15 years for a number of matters and have always found them to be extremely efficient, knowledgeable and reasonable. They have handled setting up our estate as well as managing our company from its onset.
"We highly recommend their firm with the highest of confidence.” (Business owner)
“In the mid-90’s, it became evident that my husband had Alzheimer ’s disease. He still drove our car, though requested to abstain.
"On a payment to GMF, I made a notation to that effect. An urgent, evening phone call came in from John advising me to immediately take away the car keys, pointing out the consequences that could happen in the event of a severe accident.
"Unaware of the depth of problems that might ensue, I truly appreciated the personal call and its impact. The keys were removed right away after the call.” (Long-time client)
“About 3 years ago, my wife and I knew nothing at all about LLCs I paid a visit to John Goodson and his Company of Attorneys. I was referred to John from another Tax Accountant, who thought we would be good candidates for a LLC, due to my heavy financial burden to the IRS for past taxes. Little did I know that I needed a lot more than an LLC. I needed a living will, family trust and much, much more. John Goodson took his time to explain to my wife and I how important his services were for any family situation. He explained in such a way, with modern technology and graphs that any layman could understand. He made the whole process seem simple, and we are extremely happy with what we have learned plus all of our questions and worries were put to rest with John’s fantastic system of organizing and categorizing any and all of our personal family documents. We feel totally prepared for any financial crisis that may affect our family now or in the future. John Goodson is a great Attorney and friend, plus his firm is also made up with family members………. Goodson and Manley are family, and we would highly recommend John and his Company to anyone in need of Legal advice, or family or personal financial advice in general. This Company is highly respected and has a great reputation for Honest and Integrity. After your initial visit, you will agree 100%.” (Real estate broker)
“As native Arizonans, our family knew the Mel Goodson family from the early 30’s. I attended the University of Arizona with John’s sister and watched John grow and mature from his time in the Army to his arrival back in Phoenix with his bride from Germany. John and his wife raised a family anyone would love! Our association with the firm as clients has been from preparing our estates to hiring John and two outside attorneys to perform a Herculean task in preparing the proper documents to win a lawsuit against the Interior Department.
"Our families have been close for 75 years. When you can still be friends and hire them for counsel, that has to say a lot!” (Businessman)
"Some years ago, some investors and venture capitalists from Vancouver, Canada, flew into Phoenix for a four-day meeting at the Arizona Biltmore with key personnel of the Global Academy for International Athletics. Mr. John Goodson, an attorney deeply interested in futuristic institutions, particularly educational ones, volunteered to help facilitate those discussions, actually tape-recorded the entire conference and made those cassettes available to us. This, I think, illustrates not only professional fore-thought which precludes future misunderstandings, but also demonstrates the civic or non-materialistic attitude one hopes will characterize all major legal firms of the future." (University Professor)
From the moment we stepped into the Goodson, Manley offices we were impressed with the firm's friendliness, professionalism and operational excellence. Family financial issues can often be a confusing and emotional area. John Goodson and the team have come up with a practical method for addressing these issues in an effective and harmonious manner. The firm was recommended to us by family members and we have passed that recommendation on to family and friends as well. The team has gained our trust and kept our business. (Physician)
GMF et. al. have been my family’s estate planning attorneys for 28 years. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this firm is their “Excellence in CRM.” They treat their customers as if they were their own family and thoroughly educate you along the way. It gives me inner peace to know that, if I should suddenly die tomorrow, my assets are protected and will be passed on as I have planned – leaving no burdens behind for loved ones. (Long-time client)
John Goodson, Christine Forakis and their staff revised my trust and encompassed it within a comprehensive estate plan. Every document was thoroughly explained. I am well satisfied with their work and highly recommend the firm. (Radio executive)
At most companies they say customer service is number one, at Goodson and Manley they proved it! I live in San Diego, I had a number of documents that HAD to be signed in person the next day, my schedule was too busy for me to go to Phoenix...NO PROBLEM... Mr. Goodson had one of his assistants (Michele Gilley) fly from Phoenix to San Diego the next day to have the documents signed, witnessed, notarized, and hand carried back to their corporate office (the same day)! ...NOW THAT'S SERVICE!... Thanks guys. (Business owner)
It has been our pleasure to have John handle our asset and estate planning needs. You are the best. (Financial planner)
John Goodson is a very thorough, comprehensive and compassionate attorney. Loved by all of his grateful clients. (Physician)