Margaret Barrett - Saint Paul Estate Planning Lawyer Reviews & Ratings

Hi, I am Margaret Barrett.. I founded Safe Harbor Estate Law to help families protect what is most important to them.  I am motivated by life experiences that help me relate to my clients. My ex-husband died suddenly, leaving our young children and a messy estate that took 7 years to resolve.  My siblings and I worked together to support my parents in my Dad's dementia. My new husband and I crafted a plan to protect each other and all of our children in our blended family when we pass away. Many of my clients experience or want to prepare for the experiences I have already learned from.. My expertise is in helping baby boomers and their parents to acheive their goals while minimizing expenses and hassles.  I create estate plans that protect my clients in case of incapacity during life, and direct their assets while protecting their loved ones after they pass away.. I also ease the burdens of families worried about paying for long term care, by developing personalized plans that take advantage of all the benefits available to them. Finally, after a loved one dies, I handle probate, or estate or trust administration for my clients at a difficult time in their lives.. I enjoy working with my clients' family members whenever it is feasible. My practice is to team up with other professionals on my clients' behalf.  My goal is to develop long lasting relationships with my clients that are mutually satisfying.. I am often asked what an Elder Lawyer does. In my case, my elder law practice includes planning and applying for long term care Medical Assistance and VA benefits so my clients can get the care they need and protect assets.  I also have expertise regarding the challenges of incapacity, the risks of expoitation of vulnerable adults, and how a lawyer can bring solutions as part of a team. I spent 5 years as a litigation attorney in a big law firm, so I am comfortable and successful in advocating for my clients in court.. I currently serve as Co-Chair of the Ramsey County Bar Association SoloSmall Section. I formerly served as Communications Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association Elder Law Section.  I am also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and Christian Legal Society of Minnesota.. I speak frequently on a variety of estate planning and elder law topics.  Sample topics include how to avoid common legal mistakes in making an estate plan or in dealing with chronic illness or dementia, and how to prevent your life savings from going to the nursing home. I present to senior groups, support groups, YMCA's, senior care providers and financial groups.  I present complicated topics in clear, understandable manner that can be practically applied.. I grew up in St. Paul and have lived in the area all my life. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, children and grandchildren, fitting in excercise, travel and getting outside whenever I can.