Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Iowa Estate Planning Attorneys
Gardner Law Firm has provided trusted legal counsel since 2013, specializing in estate planning, probate, and small business services. Our attorneys combine over 20 years of legal experience with personalized attention to help individuals, families, and business owners protect their assets and plan for the future. We prioritize client relationships, offering sophisticated yet cost-effective solutions tailored to unique needs. Our practice extends to real estate transactions, guardianship, and probate litigation, supported by memberships in prestigious organizations like the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.We maintain strong community ties through local leadership roles and professional networks, ensuring comprehensive service delivery. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Martindale-Hubbell AV rating and recognition as Iowa Super Lawyers. We serve clients across Iowa from our Urbandale office, combining technical expertise with compassionate guidance.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Small Business Services
Real Estate Transactions
Probate Litigation
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years of Iowa-specific estate law experience
- AV-rated attorneys recognized for legal excellence
- Personalized service with community-focused values
- Active involvement in Iowa legal professional organizations
- Comprehensive solutions from wills to business succession
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create customized strategies to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored. We help clients establish wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and advance directives tailored to their family needs and financial circumstances. With expertise in Iowa-specific estate laws, we provide comprehensive guidance to preserve wealth across generations.
Probate Administration
We guide executors and beneficiaries through Iowa's probate process for decedent estates. Our services include court filings, asset distribution, debt resolution, and tax compliance. We handle both simple and complex probate matters, including ancillary estate administration and guardianship proceedings, ensuring efficient resolution of estate matters while minimizing family conflict.
Small Business Services
We provide essential legal support for Iowa small businesses, including entity formation, contract drafting, and succession planning. Our services help entrepreneurs establish corporations, LLCs, and partnerships while addressing regulatory compliance and operational agreements. We serve as outsourced legal counsel for ongoing business needs, from day-to-day operations to major transactions.
Probate Litigation
Our firm represents clients in contested probate matters including will contests, inheritance disputes, and spousal rights issues. We handle litigation involving intentional interference with inheritances and contested guardianship proceedings. Our approach focuses on resolving conflicts through negotiation while maintaining readiness for courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Real Estate Services
We assist with residential and commercial real estate transactions, including purchase agreements, title opinions, and closing document preparation. Our services cover property transfers, easement agreements, and homeowners association matters. We provide legal counsel for both buyers and sellers, including representation for For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions throughout Iowa.
People
Matthew Gardner
Attorney & Founder
AV-rated attorney with 20+ years of Iowa estate law experience. Member of American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and Iowa Academy of Trust and Estate Counsel. Specializes in estate planning, probate, and small business services while maintaining active community involvement.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Depending on your assets and family situation, we may recommend trusts or other protective measures to ensure your wishes are followed.
How does probate work in Iowa?
Iowa probate involves court-supervised asset distribution and debt settlement. Our attorneys guide executors through required filings, creditor notifications, and tax compliance to efficiently settle estates while protecting beneficiaries' interests.
Can I handle probate without an attorney?
While possible, Iowa's probate process involves complex legal requirements. Our experienced attorneys help avoid costly mistakes and ensure proper court procedures are followed, saving time and reducing family conflict.
What business entity should I choose?
We help determine the best structure based on your liability protection needs, tax considerations, and business goals. Common options include LLCs, S-corporations, and partnerships with specific Iowa regulatory requirements.
Do I need a real estate attorney for property purchase?
We recommend legal representation for all real estate transactions. We review contracts, examine titles, and ensure proper documentation to protect your investment and prevent future ownership disputes.
