He was the son of Grand pensionary of Holland Aert van der Goes, and he succeeded his father in this position.

[1][2] Presumably Van der Goes studied at the University of Leuven.

In 1540 he joined his father Aert van der Goes to support him as Grand pensionary.

Their sons Christiaan, Aert, Andries and Philip all held high offices.

The husband of their daughter Maria, Pieter van der Meer (1534-1616), was also a high official.