Personal Practice Areas
At Stern & Eisenberg, we are dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions that address the unique needs of individuals and their families. Our experienced attorneys offer a wide range of services, including living trusts, trusts and estate planning, and the preparation of simple and complex wills to help you protect your assets and plan for the future.
In addition to estate planning, we assist with real estate matters, ensuring smooth transactions and safeguarding your interests. For those facing personal injury or civil disputes, our team provides compassionate and tenacious representation, working to secure the best possible outcomes. Stern & Eisenberg is your trusted partner for all your personal legal needs.
Civil Litigation
Civil litigation involves legal disputes between two or more parties seeking monetary damages or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions.
At Stern & Eisenberg, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to representing clients through the complexities of civil litigation. We understand that each case is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly assess your situation and develop a tailored legal strategy. Our team is prepared to guide you through all stages of the litigation process, from initial consultation and discovery to negotiation and trial.
Key Services in Civil Litigation:
- Case Assessment: Evaluating the strengths of your case and setting realistic expectations.
- Discovery: Managing the evidence-gathering process to strengthen your position.
- Motions: Filing and responding to motions to safeguard your interests and progress your case.
- Negotiation: Striving for favorable settlements through effective negotiation techniques.
- Trial Advocacy: Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
Our objective is to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your civil litigation case.
Civil Litigation: Civil litigation involves legal disputes between two or more parties seeking monetary damages or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions.
At Stern & Eisenberg, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to representing clients through the complexities of civil litigation. We understand that each case is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly assess your situation and develop a tailored legal strategy. Our team is prepared to guide you through all stages of the litigation process, from initial consultation and discovery to negotiation and trial.
Key Services in Civil Litigation:
- Case Assessment: Evaluating the strengths of your case and setting realistic expectations.
- Discovery: Managing the evidence-gathering process to strengthen your position.
- Motions: Filing and responding to motions to safeguard your interests and progress your case.
- Negotiation: Striving for favorable settlements through effective negotiation techniques.
- Trial Advocacy: Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
Our objective is to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your civil litigation case.
Estate Planning and Trust
Creating an Estate Plan is one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect the people you love. Without a plan in place, your passing or potential disability could leave your family facing uncertainty, delays, and unexpected expenses.
A comprehensive estate plan—including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives—ensures your family is provided for, your assets are protected, and you gain peace of mind about the future.
We will guide you through these critical questions and design a plan that honors your wishes and secures your legacy:
- What will happen to your property when you pass?
- Who will care for and protect your children if you’re no longer here?
- What will happen to you and your property if you become disabled?
- How will your business continue when you’re gone?
We offer a full range of estate planning services, including:
- Preparation of basic or complex wills and trusts
- Powers of attorney and living wills
- Tax and business succession planning
- Asset protection and charitable planning
Our team will also assist in evaluating retirement plans and life insurance policies, coordinating with your financial advisors to ensure your estate plan aligns with your financial objectives. Our goal is to give you the confidence and peace of mind that your personal and financial matters will be handled according to your wishes in the event of death or disability.
Living Trust
Unlike a traditional Will, a living trust allows your estate to bypass probate, offering a quicker, often more cost-effective solution for your beneficiaries.
Key Benefits of a Living Trust:
- Probate Avoidance: Assets in a living trust pass directly to beneficiaries, avoiding the time and costs associated with probate.
- Privacy: A living trust remains private, unlike a will, keeping the details of your estate confidential.
- Incapacity Planning: Should you become incapacitated, a designated trustee can manage the assets without court intervention, ensuring continuity and security.
- Flexibility and Control: You retain control over the trust, allowing for adjustments to assets and terms as needed.
- Immediate Distribution: Beneficiaries can receive assets promptly after your passing, minimizing delays and stress.
With a living trust, you gain peace of mind, knowing your estate will be managed efficiently and your loved ones will be supported.
Wills
Our Stern & Eisenberg attorneys provide comprehensive Will creation services to ensure that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. We offer customized options based on your needs, ranging from straightforward wills to more complex estate plans.
- Complex Wills: For individuals with significant assets, business interests, or unique family dynamics, we draft complex wills to address specific needs, ensuring thorough asset distribution, tax planning, and trust provisions.
- Healthcare Directives: These directives allow you to specify medical and end-of-life preferences, ensuring your healthcare decisions are respected if you become unable to communicate your wishes. Our attorneys guide you in creating a plan that reflects your values and gives peace of mind.
- Simple Wills: For those seeking a straightforward plan, a simple will provides essential instructions for asset distribution, guardianship for minor children, and other basic arrangements.
With a Will in place, you can be confident that your estate will be handled according to your wishes and in the best interests of your family.
Do You Need a Will?
A will is essential for ensuring that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are taken care of after you’re gone. Without a will, your assets may be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your preferences.
The Consequences of Having No Will
If you pass away without a will, it can lead to confusion and stress for your family, potentially causing disputes over your assets. The state will decide how your estate is distributed, which could mean your belongings go to unintended recipients.
What Will Happen to My Children (or Pets)?
Without a will, the court will determine guardianship for your children or pets, a decision that may not align with your personal wishes. By including specific guardianship provisions in your will, you can ensure that the individuals you trust are appointed to care for your children or pets. This proactive approach allows you to make your intentions clear and provides peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for according to your preferences.
Who Will Manage Your Estate?
Your Will allows you to appoint a trusted executor to manage your estate. Without a will, the court will assign someone to handle your estate, which may not be your preferred choice.
How to Handle Jointly Owned Property
Jointly owned property can add complexity to estate planning. A Will can clarify your intentions, but it’s essential to understand how joint ownership affects asset distribution.
Difference Between “Probate” & “Non-Probate” Property
Probate property is subject to court oversight, while non-probate assets—like life insurance and retirement accounts with named beneficiaries—can transfer outside of probate. Knowing the difference can help you plan effectively.
What Will Happen to My Children (or Pets)?
Without a will, the court will determine guardianship for your children or pets, a decision that may not align with your personal wishes. By including specific guardianship provisions in your will, you can ensure that the individuals you trust are appointed to care for your children or pets. This proactive approach allows you to make your intentions clear and provides peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for according to your preferences.
Other Will “Substitutes”
Beyond a will, tools like revocable trusts and transfer-on-death accounts can offer flexibility in your estate plan, allowing certain assets to bypass probate while ensuring they’re distributed according to your wishes.
Planning your estate provides peace of mind, knowing your legacy and loved ones are protected.
Personal Injury Matters
Personal injury law involves legal cases where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. These cases can arise from various situations, including car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and product defects.
At Stern & Eisenberg, our dedicated attorneys are committed to helping you seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a personal injury can take on your life, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you recover the financial resources needed to move forward with your life.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a crucial legal document that grants someone the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters. Establishing a POA is vital for ensuring that your interests are protected, especially in situations where you may be unable to make decisions for yourself due to illness, injury, or incapacitation.
At Stern & Eisenberg, our experienced attorneys are here to assist you in creating a Power of Attorney that meets your unique needs. We provide legal support throughout the process, ensuring that your document is properly drafted, executed, and complies with all legal requirements.
Key Reasons Why Power of Attorney is Important:
- Decision-Making Authority: A POA allows a trusted individual to make critical decisions regarding your finances, healthcare, and legal affairs when you are unable to do so.
- Avoiding Court Intervention: Having a POA in place can prevent the need for court-appointed guardianship, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- Flexibility and Control: You can specify the extent of the powers granted, ensuring that your agent can only act within the boundaries you set.
- Healthcare Decisions: A healthcare power of attorney allows your designated agent to make medical decisions on your behalf, ensuring your wishes are followed regarding your treatment and care.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a trusted individual can manage your affairs provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Our Services Include:
- Free Consultation: Discussing your specific needs and circumstances to determine the most appropriate type of POA.
- Drafting the Document: Creating a legally sound Power of Attorney tailored to your requirements.
- Review and Amendments: Reviewing existing documents and making necessary amendments to reflect your current wishes.
- Education: Explaining the implications of granting a POA and ensuring you understand the powers you are conferring.
- Ongoing Support: Providing guidance on how to manage and execute the powers granted in the document.
Real Estate
Our Real Estate practice area provides comprehensive legal services related to buying, selling, leasing, and financing real estate properties. We are dedicated to ensuring that your transactions are handled efficiently and in compliance with all applicable laws.
At Stern & Eisenberg, our experienced attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step of your real estate transactions, ensuring that your rights are protected and your goals are met.
Transaction Types:
Acquisition: Assisting clients in the acquisition of residential and commercial properties, ensuring all legal aspects are addressed.
Sale: Providing guidance and support for property sales, helping you achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing legal risks.
Key Services Include:
- Contract Drafting and Review: We prepare and evaluate contracts to protect your interests and ensure clarity in all agreements.
- Due Diligence: Our team conducts thorough due diligence to identify potential issues before transactions, safeguarding your investment.
- Zoning Compliance: We ensure that your property complies with local zoning laws and regulations, helping you navigate any necessary approvals or permits.
We oversee the closing process, coordinating all necessary documentation and facilitating a smooth transfer of ownership.
Your Trusted Legal Partner
At Stern & Eisenberg, we are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals. Our experienced team understands the complexities of the legal landscape and is dedicated to protecting your rights, resolving disputes, and guiding you through life’s most important legal decisions.
