Law Offices of
CHRISTENSON and ALLEX

Iris M. Christenson

Iris is an Estate Planning, Elder Law and Special Needs Planning attorney who believes that "hoping for the best" in estate planning for yourself or your special needs child can lead to unintended consequences. She prefers to empower individuals and families to attain and maintain financial security, even in the face of a long-term illness or disability. She partners with clients who wish to be financially stable throughout their lives and also leave a positive legacy for their families and communities.

Prior to graduating cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1990, Iris was an Occupational Therapist. As a therapist, she worked with elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes. Her work focused on fostering independence and self-reliance in spite of significant physical or mental limitations. As an attorney she helps families establish Special Needs Trusts for their disabled relatives to supplement government benefits and enrich their lives.

Iris is currently a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the Wisconsin State Bar Elder Law and Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections. She is also a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of NAELA. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of CARE Wisconsin First, Inc., a non-profit that serves the elderly and disabled of Dane County and several surrounding counties. She has received the Luann Gilbert Award and the YWCA 2009 Women of Distinction Award in recognition of her many years of volunteer service.

Johanna J. Allex

Johanna focuses her law practice on estate planning, marital property, probate and trust administration, charitable planning elder law, gift and estate taxation business succession planning, and tax-exempt/nonprofit organizations. She regularly lectures on topics such as estate planning, elder law, fiduciary duties of officers and directories, and tax-exempt/nonprofit organizations. She has co-authored articles on Conservation Easements, Family Limited Partnerships and Property Taxation.

Johanna received her Bachelors of Science, Masters of Music and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School. Prior to attending Law School, Johanna worked as a Certified Public Accountant.

Johanna is on the board of directors of WisPACT, Inc., a nonprofit that creates and manages pooled and Community Special Need Trusts for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. Johanna is also on the board of directors of the Madison Civics Club, Inc. MCC is a nonprofit that is currently celebrating 100 years of encouraging civic responsibility and public engagement. Johanna serves as Co-Chair for the 2012-2013 season. Johanna is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (federal and state chapters), of the Wisconsin State Bar (Real Property/Probate and the Elder Law Sections), the Madison Estate Council, the Wisconsin Planned Giving Council and the Planned Giving Committee of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Previously, Johanna served as a president of the board of directors of the Natural Heritage Land Trust, Inc.

Matthew D. Suing

Matt advises on all aspects of Trusts & Estates, Business Planning, Probate, Non-Profit, and Elder Law. He approaches "Estate Planning" as a process that seeks to maximize the benefits offered in different areas of law (such as probate, wills, trusts, taxes, property, insurance, contract law, etc.), while at the same time meeting your wishes for health care decisions and the management of your property during life and the disposition of your property upon and after death. He believes his role as an attorney is to be a problem-solver and to use the law to help you carry out your objectives and further your goals.

Matt received his Bachelors of Art in Political Science and Philosophy, and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin Law School. While in law school, Matt clerked for the Columbia County Circuit Court. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar Association (Real Property, Probate and Trust section) and is admitted to practice in all Wisconsin State Courts.