Jan Goddard, Trusts Attorney in the United States
Over 40 years of legal practice
Practicing trusts since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Jan Goddard?
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Quick answer
Jan Goddard is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Jan has over 40 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Toronto (Canada) (2020).
About Jan Goddard: Jan Goddard is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Jan has over 40 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jan takes on
Jan concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases nationwide
Jan takes trusts matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jan Goddard — trusts lawyer in the U.S.
Jan Goddard is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Jan has over 40 years of legal experience.
Jan Goddard entered law school with an interest in working with elderly persons and their legal issues, but over 30 years ago the term ‘elder law’ did not even exist.
So Jan made her own path to the law practice she has today. Along the way, she served for 10 years as counsel at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee in Ontario, obtained a certificate in gerontology from Ryerson University and a mediation certificate from Osgoode Hall Law School, and founded and developed the law firm of Goddard Gamage LLP.
The expertise Jan has developed in her chosen fields has led to her being a frequent presenter at continuing professional development programs in Ontario, a regular participant at the bi-annual Canadian Conference on Elder Law, a Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Centre of Elder Law and a sought-after volunteer on committees and advisory groups. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, Jan co-directed the Elder Law Certificate program at Osgoode Professional Development. In 2015 and 2017 she co-chaired The Canadian Conference on Elder Law in Vancouver. Jan was a member of the Advisory Group to the Law Commission of Ontario’s major project on Legal Capacity, Decision-making and Guardianship. Jan is recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada in the field of Trusts and Estates (2009-2019).
Jan’s previous experience working in government and policy development has helped her develop skills in explaining complicated legal matters to her clients in simple but meaningful language. She now serves as a navigator for her own clients in planning for their futures or trying to resolve messy situations.
Jan is a spouse, mother, daughter, sister, community volunteer, friend and valued professional colleague of many, and these roles inform her as she works with clients of all ages and backgrounds, seeking to understand their needs and help them find their own paths through the many challenges life throws at us all.
Jan is a graduate of the University of Toronto Law School, and completed her undergraduate degree at Queen’s University. She practices under the name Jan Goddard Professional Corporation.
How Jan handles trusts matters
Jan Goddard entered law school with an interest in working with elderly persons and their legal issues, but over 30 years ago the term ‘elder law’ did not even exist. So Jan made her own path to the law practice she has today. Along the way, she served for 10 years as counsel at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee in Ontario, obtained a certificate in gerontology from Ryerson University…
The kind of cases Jan takes
Jan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in the United States.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Osgoode Hall Law School
— · 1999
University of Toronto
— · 1984
Queen’s University
— · 1981
Jurisdictions
Jan's state bar admissions
Ontario
1986 · ACTIVE
Jan studied at — in Osgoode Hall Law School, — in University of Toronto, and — in Queen’s University.
Law school and academic background
Jan completed — in Osgoode Hall Law School, — in University of Toronto, and — in Queen’s University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jan runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Jan has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Toronto (Canada)
2020
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Guardianship
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates, Toronto (Canada) (2020). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Guardianship (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
Jan Goddard's office in Toronto
Jan's primary office is at 439 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jan Goddard
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jan Goddard — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jan's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jan
Jan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jan Goddard
How much does it cost to hire Jan for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jan offer a free consultation?
Jan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jan's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check Jan's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in this state typically take?
Simple trusts matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jan take my case if I'm outside the area?
Jan evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Jan's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jan accepting new trusts clients right now?
Jan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.