Rafael Godoy

Godoy Legal

Estate Planning Attorney | Founder | License #156328

Over 30 years of legal experience to use when assisting you.

Rafael Godoy is a Bay Area local and first-generation American with more than 30 years of legal experience. The son of Central American immigrants, Rafael has built his career representing clients from all walks of life—from large corporations and hospitals to professional athletes and everyday families. Rafael now focuses on litigation and estate planning for families and small business owners, helping them avoid court costs, government interference, unnecessary taxes, and financial risk. With an office in Berkeley, he serves clients statewide.

Estate planning is something that most adults actually need.

As law students, we take classes to learn about trusts and wills. As lawyers we know that trusts and other documents are useful tools. However, no one really understands this area of law until you are neck deep in it. 

Many years ago, I learned the complications that can arise from failure to plan. I jumped headfirst into an estate of a distant relative who had no close heirs nearby. She had not prepared a will or a trust so we had to proceed under probate. We needed years to untangle the assets and make distributions to the heirs. All the complications we faced could have been avoided with a proper estate plan. After going through this ordeal, I realized that most of us do not know how to prepare for the eventuality of one’s passing. I want to help people create plans that serve them while living, take care of family and loved ones after passing, and help leave a legacy.

With that goal in mind, we strive to provide first class legal services to all our clients.