About Chrisitne

Christine Cracchiolo, a fourth-generation Arizona native, is one of the foremost estate planning attorneys in Arizona, representing some of the state’s most notable families. Christine blends more than 23 years of experience in estate planning with a warm, accessible personality—making her a highly sought-after expert resource.

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In 2006, she founded The Forakis Law Firm, PLC, which specializes in preventive law—a proactive approach to estate planning. Located in a charmingly renovated historical home in Central Downtown Phoenix's Los Olivos Historic District, the firm offers a range of services, including estate planning, business law, asset protection, and succession planning. The legal team at The Forakis Law Firm creates a welcoming environment where clients can feel 'at home' while addressing some of life’s biggest questions about succession and legacy. Her clientele includes doctors, dentists, athletes, politicians, farmers, and business owners.

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Christine is a frequent public speaker for various groups, including the National Business Institute, The Women’s Chamber of Commerce, The Arizona Real Estate Investors Association, The Arizona Naturopathic Institute, The Society of Financial Service Professionals, and many others. She has also co-hosted the weekly radio show “Creating Your Family Dynasty” on channel 1310 AM, with recorded broadcasts available at ForakisLaw.com. Christine was interviewed on KFNX 1100 AM about the importance of establishing a family dynasty and her journey to becoming a successful business owner in Arizona. In 2021, she published a book titled Fortune Favors the Bold as an homage to her late father, John F. Goodson, featuring his ideas about creating everlasting wealth.

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Christine has served as a charter member of Mingus Mountain Estate Residential Center, Inc. (MMERCI) for over 25 years, supporting their mission to help emotionally and behaviorally at-risk adolescent girls. She served as President of the PAAK Foundation and is a founding member of the Phoenix Metro Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she has been the Treasurer of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and the Secretary of the Board for the non-profit People Investing in People. Christine also served on the board of LeTIP of Camelback Corridor for over 10 years and has been involved with various other boards and organizations in Arizona, such as Rotary 100 and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

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Christine earned a black belt in Shotokan Karate, competing internationally and nationally, and earning titles like Western State’s Champion and National Champion in Kata. She was also a trained ballet dancer, performing in Ballet West’s Nutcracker and studying with the Dallas Ballet Company. Christine now enjoys tennis, yoga, hiking, and playing poker.

 

Legal History

Christine completed her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, graduating cum laude from the Honors Program. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in May 1992. During law school, Christine held elected positions on two Law Reviews: Research and Writing Editor for the Entertainment and Sports Law Review, and Articles and Comments Editor for the Business Law Journal. She also interned with the Honorable Judge Ungaro-Benages in Miami, Florida. Additionally, Christine was appointed as a committee member of the Small Business Committee at the Arizona State Bar Association.

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In 2011, Christine was honored by being included in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, a distinction reserved for women lawyers with the highest ratings in legal ability and ethical standards. She currently holds an AV rating, the highest possible, from the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register.

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Family History

Christine's family has deep roots in Arizona. Her great-grandfather, Dr. F.G. Angeny, founded Deaconess Hospital, which later became Good Samaritan Hospital. Her grandfather, J. Melvin Goodson, was a prominent figure who served as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Arizona, and Chairman of the Board of Arizona Refining Company. He also ran for governor of Arizona. Christine's father, John F. Goodson, was a renowned estate planning attorney, author, and public speaker who laid the foundation for Christine's ethical, family-oriented practice. She currently resides in Phoenix with her husband, Mike Cracchiolo, an Arizona native, and their five children.

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Past Group Affiliations:

• Mingus Mountain Academy – Charter Member

• The Cracchiolo Museum – Founding Member

• Phoenix Metro Chamber of Commerce – Founding Member

• PAAK Foundation – President

• POP Prostate On-Site Project – Board Member

• NAWBO – nawbophx.org – Member

• Rotary 100 – rotary100.org – Member

• Vistage International – vistage.com –Member

• Christian Legal Society – christianlegalaidaz.com

• Rim Trail Board – Treasurer

• People Investing in People – Secretary

• Le Tip – letipaz.com – Vice President/Membership Chair

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Public Speaking Events:

• Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association – Asset Protection for Doctors, Spring 2007 Convention

• National Business Institute – Estate Planning Basics, November 2007

• National Business Institute – Making the Best Use of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, May 2008

• Phoenix Women’s Chamber of Commerce Seminar – Protecting your Assets, May 2008

• National Business Institute – Cutting-Edge Asset Protection Skills and Techniques, October 2008

• The Medicare Supplement Leadership Conference – Estate and Asset Protection, October 2008

• National Business Institute – LLC Trends and Developments, September 2008

• Society of Financial Service Professionals Seminar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Mom and Pop are Ready to Retire, but is

• Their Money Ready To? August 2008

• Your Insurance Matters Radio Show – Life insurance, Death Taxes and Estate Planning, December 2008

• Women’s Investor Group, April 2009

• Proactive Transitioning – Ask the Experts, November 2009

• Scottsdale Young Estate Planners – Wealth, Transfer, Business and Charitable Estate Planning, May 2010

• Professional Women’s Network – Estate Planning for Professional Women, June 2010

• Parrots of the Hills Bird Club – Pet Estate Planning, September 2010

• Christian Legal Society Convention, Orlando, Florida – Hot Topics of Estate Planning, October 2010

• First Christian Church – Special Needs Estate Planning, February 2011

• Maricopa County SWAT Division – Estate Planning and Asset Protection, August 2012

• National Business Institute – Income Tax Planning for Trusts and Estates, September 2012

• Top Estate Planning Techniques – Simple and Effective Wealth Preservation Methods for Business Entities, June 2013

• Succession Plans for Attorneys, September 2013

• 2013 Annual Workers’ Compensation Seminar, September 2013

• Estate Planning for Business Owners with Doug Schmidt, October 2013

• Estate Planning for Business Owners with Doug Schmidt, October 2013

• Asset Protection and Disinherit the IRS – Famous Mistakes with Raymond James, October 2013

• Women’s Wealth Preservation Seminar at National Bank of Arizona, April 2014

• Price Kong Lunch and Learn – Planning for Trusts and Estates, July 2017

• Bank of Arizona’s Retirement & Estate Planning Seminar, July 2017

• The University Club – 10 Biggest Estate Planning Blunders of Celebrities, June 2018

• Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance, Phoenix Chapter – How to Create and Protect a Family Dynasty, June 2019

• Team Minik Property Management – When Should We Prepare Our Vacation Homes for the Super Bowl, April, 2022