About Matt
Matt is a founding partner with Skalka & Baack Law Firm which began in January of 2013. Matt focuses his practice primarily on estate planning of all types, trust and probate administration, transfer tax planning and issues relating to business succession planning. Additionally, Matt handles business and real estate matters, including 1031 like-kind exchanges.
A Nebraska native, Matt graduated from Holdrege High School in 2000. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2003. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2007. Matt regularly speaks at seminars for fellow Nebraska attorneys.
Outside of the office, Matt enjoys spending time with family and friends. His three children occupy most of his free time. Matt is an avid Husker sports fan and also enjoys reading, playing basketball, golf, and most other competitive sports.
Education
University of Nebraska College of Law
Lincoln, NE 2007
Juris Doctorate, with a certificate in business transactions
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 2003
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
Areas Of Practice
- Business Planning (LLCs, Corporations, Partnerships, etc.)
- Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, DPOAs, etc.)
- Probate/Estate Administration
- Real Estate Transactions
- 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges
- Contract Negotiation and Drafting
Professional Associations
- The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Fellow, 2019 to Present
- WealthCounsel
- Member, 2015 to Present
- Nebraska Bar Association
- Real Estate Probate and Trust Section
- Vice Chair 2014
- Chair 2015
- Executive Committee 2017 to Present
- Forms Committee 2018 to Present
- Business Law Section
- Real Estate Probate and Trust Section
- Adams County Bar Association
- 10th Judicial District Bar Association
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV rated Attorney
Community Involvement
- United Way of South Central Nebraska
- Campaign Chair, 2013-14
- Board Member, 2014 to 2020
- Board President, 2018-19
- YMCA of Hastings, Nebraska
- Board Member, 2018 to Present
- Hastings Museum Foundation
- Board Member, 2018 to Present
- Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce
- Ambassador, 2011 to 2017
- Hastings Literacy Program
- Board Member, 2010 to 2016
- Board President, 2012, 2013
- Kiwanis of Hastings
- Member, 2008 to 2018
- Hastings Board of Public Works, 2018
- Mary Lanning Healthcare Foundation
- Committee Member, 2013
- Hastings College
- Business Law Adjunct Professor, 2013
Publications and Presentations
- Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, Estes Park Colorado: 2019
- “When You Can’t Trust a Fiduciary”
- Nebraska State Bar Association Probate Manual
- Chapter 9: Personal Representatives and Special Administrators
- National Business Institute, Grand Island, Nebraska: 2017
- “Sale or Gift Transaction; Transfers Upon Death – Key Administration Concerns”
- Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, Hastings, Nebraska: 2016
- “Health Care Powers of Attorney, Delegation of Powers by Parent or Guardian, Rights of the Terminally Ill Act, Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, and Disposition of Remains”
- National Business Institute, Grand Island, Nebraska: 2016
- “Fundamental Principals of Will Drafting”
- Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, La Vista, Nebraska: 2015
- “Legislative Update”
- Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, La Vista, Nebraska: 2014
- “Insolvent Estates”
- National Business Institute, Lincoln, Nebraska: 2014
- “Ethics in Estate Planning”
- National Business Institute, Lincoln, Nebraska: 2014
- “Planning for the Disabled”
- Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, Estes Park Colorado: 2013
- “Trust Administration”
- Nebraska Continuing Legal Education, Grand Island, Nebraska: 2012
- “Nebraska Inheritance Tax”
Bar Admissions
- Ohio, 2008 (inactive)
- Nebraska, 2008
- US District Court of Nebraska, 2008
- US Tax Court, 2008
- US Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 2008
