Thomas F. "Tom" Garth

Thomas F. "Tom" Garth: Strategic Legal Counsel for Complex Estate Planning and Business Matters

Thomas F. "Tom" Garth is a highly respected and experienced legal professional dedicated to providing strategic legal counsel to individuals and businesses facing complex issues in taxation, estate planning, and corporate governance. With a distinguished career spanning decades and a commitment to meticulous attention to detail, Mr. Garth consistently delivers exceptional results for his clients, leveraging deep expertise and a proactive approach to navigate even the most challenging legal landscapes.

Mr. Garth’s practice encompasses a broad range of specialized areas, including tax law, estate planning, corporate and mergers & acquisitions, qualified retirement plan administration, foreign tax planning, and securities law. He possesses a proven track record of success in representing clients across various sectors, including healthcare, with a particular focus on family limited partnerships, LLCs, grantor retained annuity trusts, grantor trusts, and other sophisticated leveraged estate planning strategies. His ability to craft tailored solutions that align with his clients’ specific goals and objectives sets him apart.

A recognized expert in his field, Mr. Garth has been a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel since 1989 – a testament to his profound knowledge and dedication to the specialized area of trust and estate law. This honor reflects his commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional competence.

Mr. Garth’s expertise extends beyond proactive estate planning to encompass robust dispute resolution. He routinely assists clients with estate tax return audits and excels at handling large-scale IRS disputes, utilizing his deep understanding of tax regulations and procedures to achieve favorable outcomes. His courtroom experience, built upon extensive practice before Probate Courts, State Courts, U.S. District Courts, and Tax Courts, provides him with a significant advantage in defending his clients’ interests.

Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Mr. Garth’s experience included a distinguished service as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1970-71, stationed on the U.S.S. Lexington, CVT-16 – a period that instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, dedication, and the importance of precision. He currently serves as the regional practice coordinator for Phelps Dunbar's business group, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

Key Practice Areas:

Mr. Garth’s primary practice areas include:

• Tax Law: Providing comprehensive tax planning and compliance solutions, including estate tax, corporate tax, and income tax strategies.
• Trusts and Estates: Developing and executing complex estate plans utilizing instruments such as family limited partnerships, LLCs, grantor trusts, and grantor retained annuity trusts.
• Estate Planning: Creating tailored estate plans designed to preserve wealth, minimize taxes, and ensure the smooth transfer of assets to future generations.
• Corporate & Mergers & Acquisitions: Guiding businesses through the legal complexities of corporate formation, transactions, and ongoing operations.
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law: Providing expertise in the administration and compliance of qualified retirement plans under ERISA regulations.
• Litigation - Trusts and Estates: Representing clients in litigation matters related to trust and estate disputes.
• Nonprofit / Charities Law: Offering legal support to nonprofit organizations, including formation, governance, and compliance.

Awards & Recognition: Mr. Garth’s exceptional legal abilities and commitment to excellence have been consistently recognized by leading organizations.

• Lawyer of the Year: Tax Law (Mobile) – 2025, 2015
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Mobile) – 2013
• Recognized: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Recognized: Litigation - Trusts and Estates
• Recognized: Nonprofit / Charities Law
• Recognized: Tax Law
• Recognized: Trusts and Estates
• The Best Lawyers in America
• Alabama Super Lawyers
• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell

Education & Bar Admissions:

Mr. Garth’s commitment to the legal profession is underscored by his extensive education and qualifications:

• Bar Admissions: Admitted to the Bar in Alabama and practicing before Probate Courts, State Courts, U.S. District Courts, and Tax Courts.
• Continuing Legal Education: Dedicated to continuous professional development and maintaining his expertise in evolving legal landscapes.

Contact:

To discuss your legal needs and explore how Mr. Garth’s expertise can benefit you, please contact Phelps Dunbar in the Mobile office. He is committed to providing strategic counsel and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.