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As we grow older, we often need to make important decisions that can impact our lives and those of our loved ones. But the complexities of aging and the ever-changing legal landscape can be overwhelming and confusing.

That’s where we come in.

A Minnesota elder law attorney can help guide you through the legal maze and offer solutions that fit your unique needs. At Safe Harbor Estate Law in St. Paul, we are passionate about protecting seniors and individuals with disabilities and are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the care and attention you deserve.

So, whether you need assistance with estate planning, long-term care, or government benefits, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you navigate the path ahead.

What Is Elder Law?

Elder law is not restricted to any specific area of law. Rather, it refers to the interdisciplinary body of knowledge that deals with legal issues surrounding senior citizens, guardianship of vulnerable individuals (any age), and planning for special needs individuals 18 and older.

These needs arise in almost every legal area, including:

  • Estate planning
  • Long-term/nursing home care
  • Asset protection
  • Financial planning
  • Government benefits (including Medicaid)
  • Housing
  • Health care decision-making
  • End-of-life planning

Elder law attorneys understand how aging can affect an individual’s ability to manage affairs, and are well-versed in the laws that affect older citizens, and understand the best strategies for protecting assets and ensuring financial security and well-being.

How Is Safe Harbor Estate Law Different?

When elder law attorneys are called upon to assist seniors, they often face the beginning of a long and strenuous process. At our law firm, we understand the complexities of long-term care planning, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement homes.

Safe Harbor attorney Michael Teeter even helped win an important Minnesota Court of Appeals case in July 2021, allowing the use of Irrevocable Trusts for Medicaid planning. He is one of the few attorneys in Minnesota experienced with this type of planning.

Our clients and families are often pleasantly surprised at how much we can help them, especially in protecting assets and complying with the complex and changing Medicaid rules so that the state pays its fair share.

We are passionate about protecting those who may have impaired ability to make decisions for themselves.


Safe Harbor’s Elder Law Services

Safe Harbor’s Smooth Sailing estate planning system incorporates the expertise of our whole team in protecting what matters most to our Elder Law clients.

Our elder law attorneys can also assist with matters such as:

  • Protecting assets
  • Medicaid eligibility and applications (Medical Assistance in Minnesota and BadgerCare in Wisconsin)
  • Medicaid planning
  • Legal documents for powers of attorney and healthcare directives
  • Advocacy for senior citizens in court (guardianship/conservatorship)

We assist family members as well as friends and associates of the client who need to learn about elder law topics such as health care directives, government benefits eligibility, elder abuse, and guardianship/conservatorship.

“Everybody here is accommodating and makes the Estate Planning and Elder Law process easy. They take such good care of you! I recommend everyone have a consultation with Safe Harbor – you will be glad you did.”

— Marshall Hymes, June 2022

Finding the Balance Between the Law and Clients’ Needs

Elder law is governed by state and federal law.

Our elder law attorneys are up-to-date on issues affecting older Minnesota and Wisconsin residents, including the laws, statutes, and rules designed to protect their interests. They are well-versed in Minnesota and Wisconsin laws designed to protect seniors who may be unable to manage their own affairs or care for themselves due to age or some kind of physical or mental condition.


Contact an Experienced Minnesota Elder Law Attorney Today

The elder law professionals at Safe Harbor provide more than just legal advice. Our attorneys guide clients through the complicated process of finding a solution that works for them, developing an asset protection plan, and helping them implement it.

Elder law attorneys at Safe Harbor work to ensure clients’ wishes are fulfilled while also guiding staying in the home or making the transition to a senior facility less stressful. Contact us today to talk to our elder law legal team.


FAQ: Minnesota Elder Law

Is elder law the same as estate planning?

No, elder law relates to the legal issues surrounding incapacity, vulnerability, and long-term care needs. Elder law attorneys are knowledgeable about issues facing seniors and those with disabilities.

Elder law can provide invaluable assistance to families struggling to make major decisions regarding the care of senior family members or individuals with disabilities. Elder law is related to but different from estate planning because of its focus on incapacity and disability issues.

We recommend that any senior work with an estate planning attorney who is also an elder lawyer, like the lawyers at Safe Harbor Estate Law.

What does elder law involve?

Elder law attorneys assist clients with financial and personal matters, including creating an estate plan, asset preservation, and Medicaid planning. They also handle matters involving incapacity, probate and trust administration, navigating the probate process, and guardianship.

Many people are surprised at how helpful an experienced elder law attorney can be. Contact Safe Harbor today to learn how we can help you.

At what age should a person contact an elder law attorney?

An elder law attorney should be contacted before a person begins to experience age-related or disability difficulties, or in the case of a child with special needs, before the child turns 18. Many cases of incapacity have legal implications and can take time to resolve, therefore, seeking assistance early is always best.

In addition, more assets can be protected, and more stress avoided if planning is done before the client becomes incapacitated. Elder law attorneys work closely with family members and guardians who must make difficult decisions regarding the care and support of incapacitated individuals based on the state’s laws.

Some have anxiety, others procrastinate,

but you still need to do what needs to be done to protect your family…

They are who really matter!!

See what other Safe Harbor Estate Law clients are saying about their experience.

Guiding You Through The Process Of Protecting Your Family And Assets

The Four Cs - Our Unique Approach to Estate Planning in Minnesota
Care

We care, and it shows. You’re not just a number to us. We listen, and we ask questions. We strive to improve our client’s lives every day.

Communicate

Our firm goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable throughout the process so you feel informed and confident every step of the way.

Customized

We help you leave a legacy that is smoother, less expensive, and less hassle for your loved ones with a plan that is uniquely tailored to your goals.

Complete

Our team is motivated to help you experience smooth sailing from start to finish so everything is done thoroughly and properly.

Top-Rated Estate Planning & Probate Law Firm

Serving St. Paul, Greater Minnesota & Wisconsin

Estate Planning & Asset Protection Workshops

I attended a free seminar to learn about getting a Will. I learned so much more than I expected! I then hired Safe Harbor Estate Law to create a Will, POA and Trust. The process was very simple!

I highly recommend everyone to contact Safe Harbor to help you too!

— Cindy Olson
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Estate Planning, Asset Protection and the Probate Process

in Minnesota and Wisconsin
St. Paul, MN Estate Planning Law Firm

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