Michael Godbe is a Senior Litigation Attorney in The Estate Lawyers’ Irvine office, where he focuses his practice on trust and estate litigation, fiduciary disputes, beneficiary representation, financial elder abuse, and contested conservatorship and guardianship matters. He represents beneficiaries, trustees, and families navigating complex legal and financial disputes, drawing on his understanding of trust and estate administration to address the challenges that arise in contested matters. Michael works closely with clients to develop strategies tailored to their goals while guiding them through often sensitive and deeply personal disputes.
Michael is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. This distinction, held by fewer than 1% of California attorneys, recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated advanced experience, specialized knowledge, and a commitment to excellence in their field. His certification reflects the depth of his experience and further strengthens his ability to navigate sophisticated trust and estate disputes.
Michael’s background in post-mortem planning and trust and estate administration provides a practical understanding of the legal, financial, and fiduciary issues underlying complex litigation. This experience allows him to evaluate disputes from multiple perspectives, anticipate potential challenges, and develop informed strategies to protect his clients’ interests.
Actively involved in the legal community, Michael is a member of the Orange County Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section and The Federalist Society.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 2003. He received his Juris Doctor from Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law in 2006.
Michael resides in Ladera Ranch with his wife, Kristen, and their three sons. Outside of his practice, he volunteers with youth sports, enjoys playing golf, and values spending time with his family.