Matthew D. Gardner Shareholder Sullivan & Ward, P.C. 6601 Westown Parkway, Suite 200 West Des Moines, IA 50266-7733 (515) 247-4717 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Disclaimer)  Download vCard

Mr. Gardner advises and brings solutions to individuals and families regarding estate tax planning, wealth preservation and business succession planning. A team approach to finding a solution for the client is important in the process and Matt is experienced in working with CPA’s, financial and insurance advisors, and other consultants for the client.

Areas of Practice
Trusts and Estates Law
Mr. Gardner drafts wills and trusts, including Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Single and Joint Revocable Trusts, and Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts. He also assists clients with drafting Power of Attorney forms and Living Wills. He is a frequent lecturer for Continuing Legal Education seminars and other speaking events. Mr. Gardner oversees the administration of estates throughout courts in Iowa, including post-mortem tax planning and preparation of state inheritance tax returns, federal estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns.  Estate planning services are based on a flat-fee approach.

Business Planning
Mr. Gardner also assists clients with formation and operation of business entities, whether it be a limited liability company, corporation or partnership. Integrating estate planning and business planning is critical to ensure the continued wealth viability for successive generations. Integral in the business planning process, Mr. Gardner can advise clients on solutions for protection of assets from claims of creditors.

Real Estate
Whether it is the preparation of a real estate purchase agreements, review of abstracts and preparation of title opinions, or preparation/review of closing statements, Mr. Gardner counsels buyers and sellers of real property, both residential and commercial. He also assists individuals seeking to sell homes on their own (For Sale by Owner "FSBO") without the services of a realtor.

Pro Bono
Mr. Gardner prepares wills and powers of attorney for the Iowa Volunteers Lawyers Project Program. He  also served Chairman of the Services to the Elderly Committee of the Iowa State Bar Association.

General Information
Birth: Centerville, Iowa (1969)
Iowa State University (B.A. 1992)
Drake University Law School (J.D. - with Honors 1997)
Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Rating (An AV­­ certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.)
2011 “Great Plains Super Lawyers®“ (Only 5% of attorneys in state are named to list.)
Polk County Bar Association, Member
Iowa State Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Greater Des Moines Rotary Club for Emerging Leaders, Member
Des Moines Estate Planners, Member
Lutheran Church of Hope, Member
Leadership Urbandale (class of 2009/2010)
Youth soccer coach – State “E” License

Presentations and Publications
Iowa State Bar 2008 Probate & Trust Law Seminar "Equitable Adoption Doctrine" October 2008
National Business Institute"Probate Process from Start to Finish" October 2008, October 2009
Institute for Paralegal Education "Estate Planning and Probate for the Paralegal/Legal Assistant in Iowa" April 2002
National Business Institute "Fundamental Probate Procedures and Practice" June 2007, June 2006
National Business Institute "Estate Planning Basics" December 2009
"Inside the Minds: Estate Planning Client Strategies" Aspatore (2009)
Iowa State Bar 2011 Probate & Trust Law Seminar "Intentional Interference with Inheritance" October 2011
Lorman Education Services “New Era of Estate Planning in Iowa”  January 2012

Resources
Guardianship and Conservatorship Handbook
Estate Planning Basics