Matthew D. Gardner
Direct Dial Number (515) 247-4717
E-mail: mgardner@sullivan-ward.com
Mr. Gardner advises and brings solutions to high-net worth 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. Matt’s clients include professional athletes, corporate executives, owners of businesses and farmers.
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.
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
Polk County Bar Association, Member
Iowa State Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Birth: Centerville, Iowa (1969)
Iowa State University (B.A. 1992)
Drake University Law School (J.D. - with Honors 1997)
