Edward T. Matthews, J.D., CPA

Attorney Ed Matthews became a member of Gudorf Law Group in 2022. An Ohio native, Ed returned to his home state from Minnesota, where he managed his own practice for over a decade. Ed formulates and implements asset protection strategies for farmers, business owners, professionals and others who need a sophisticated plan to preserve a legacy for their family. In addition to being an experienced estate planning attorney, Ed is also a licensed Ohio Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This background uniquely positions him to provide Gudorf Law Group’s clients with both legal and tax guidance.

Prior to returning to Ohio, Ed pioneered the use of hybrid irrevocable trusts in Minnesota more than a decade ago. His unique Asset Protection Trust protects clients’ estates from nursing home expenses and liens. His technique was approved by the Minnesota Court of Appeals in the case of Geyen v. Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Human Services. In that case, the court found that a Minnesota statute that treated irrevocable trusts as available assets for Medicaid purposes was preempted by the federal Medicaid statute, which does not. Ed’s model is now followed by other asset protection specialists throughout the Midwest.

Ed served as a clerk to the Minnesota Supreme Court during its 2003-2004 term, one of only eleven attorneys selected for that position.

Ed is committed to protecting his clients through proper estate planning, asset protection, and tax reduction strategies. He enjoys the educational aspect of his role, and is a sought-after speaker. Clients enjoy Ed’s down-to-earth, direct style, his sense of humor, and his ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple, easy to understand terms. Colleagues appreciate his meticulous attention to detail and can-do attitude.

Outside of the office, Ed enjoys hiking, running, exercising, training his pack of rescue dogs, and keeping current with world events.

Practice Areas

• Estate planning
• Asset protection
• Business and farm succession planning
• Tax planning
• Elder law
• Medicaid crisis planning

Education

• William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude (2003)
  
  • Executive Editor, Law Review
• Miami University, B.S. Business Administration, cum laude (1995)

Court Admissions

• Ohio (Practice Pending Admission)
• Minnesota (2003)
• Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota (2004)
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (2004)
• United States Supreme Court (2008)