The Law Office of Stephen J. Silverberg, P.C., was founded by nationally known estate tax and Elder Law attorney Stephen J. Silverberg, Esq. to help clients plan for the future and preserve assets by managing complex legal, tax and financial issues.
Stephen J. Silverberg has been practicing estate planning for 40 years in Florida & New York. As a nationally recognized estate planning and Elder Law firm, we help individuals, families and business owners plan for the future and navigate through the highly technical world of estate planning, dealing with complex and sometimes emotionally difficult issues. Successful results are achieved by integrating the areas of estate tax, wealth preservation and business succession planning, Elder Law, medicaid planning, estate administration, retirement benefits planning, and planning for closely held businesses and professional practices.
We work with matrimonial attorneys. In instances where divorce or child support disputes involve the care of a developmentally disabled adult child, our knowledge of trusts is extremely valuable.
Guardianship
Guardianship law focuses on protecting an individual who is not able to make decisions because of age, illness or incapacity. The court has the power to appoint a guardian to make personal and financial decisions for a person under Article 81 of New York’s Mental Hygiene Law.
Stephen J. Silverberg represents business owners, professionals and their business entities with business formation, buy-sell agreements and business succession planning. In addition, we can assist your business with comprehensive tax and employee benefits services.
Business Disputes
Asset protection includes planning for internal family rifts or disputes with business partners – or both. Attuned to the issues that occur in the realms of family and business, the firm draws on decades of experience with family and business disputes. The underlying philosophy is the best plans are ones that prepare for worst-case scenarios. Our clients’ wealth is simply too important to practice otherwise.
Limited Liability Companies
Helps families protect assets from outside attacks. Depending on the situation, the plan may incorporate trusts, limited liability companies, family limited partnerships, and other sophisticated and tax-efficient tools as needed.
Self-Settled Special Needs Trust: Generally created by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian using the child’s assets to fund the Trust (e.g., when the child receives a settlement from a personal injury lawsuit and will require lifelong care). If assets remain in the Trust after the child’s death, a
Medical Malpractice
Your practice is Medical Malpractice or Personal Injury and circumstances have led to a situation where your client needs representation in Elder Law. We have a great deal of experience in protecting client benefits while preserving compensation and damages recovered in lawsuits.
Social Security Disability
Children with disabilities, adults who are disabled since childhood and those who become disabled as adults may be eligible for benefits from Social Security, known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). People with low income and limited resources who are 65 or older, or blind, or disabled may also qualify for Social Security Income. This is a needs-based program where benefits can be lost if a person receives an inheritance or converts an exempt asset to a non-exempt asset. The Law Office of Stephen J. Silverberg helps clients and families whose Special Needs members need the additional support of SSDI or SSI.
Medicaid Planning
As a nationally recognized estate planning and Elder Law firm, we help individuals, families and business owners plan for the future and navigate through the highly technical world of estate planning, dealing with complex and sometimes emotionally difficult issues. Successful results are achieved by integrating the areas of estate tax, wealth preservation and business succession planning, Elder Law, Medicaid planning, estate administration, retirement benefits planning, and planning for closely held businesses and professional practices.
Having to go through elder care planning is an extremely difficult and an emotional process. Stephen Silverberg was recommended to me and he didn't disappoint me on any level. His knowledge of both Medicaid and Estate Planning is outstanding. He was available and accessible throughout the planning process and Stephen is both supportive and understanding of how difficult these decisions are to make. He is thorough and comprehensive and his office is diligent with follow through and follow up. It is rare to find this level of expertise and compassion in one place...
Wills
People who pass away having executed a Last Will and Testament during their lifetime will have their Will submitted to the appropriate Surrogate’s Court for probate. Probate is the process of the court approving the executed document as the official Last Will and Testament of the decedent, stating it is valid to pass the assets of the estate according to the terms of the Will.
Trusts
Steven Silverman has been a wonderful elder law attorney who helped my mom draft a revocable living trust. My mom later passed away and he was excellent in transferring the deed without the need of any probate saving me thousands. I highly recommend him.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document giving another person (the attorney-in-fact) the legal right to do certain things (powers) for another. What those powers are depends on the terms of the document. A power of attorney may be very broad or very limited and specific. All powers of attorney terminate upon the death of the maker and may terminate when the maker (principal) becomes incapacitated (unable to make or communicate their own decisions). When the intent is to designate a back-up decision-maker in the event of incapacity, then a durable power of attorney should be used. Durable Powers of Attorney should be frequently updated as banks and other financial institutions may hesitate to honor a document that more than a few years old.
I've worked with Stephen Silverberg for over five years. In addition to being a smart, sharp and knowledgeable attorney, he's a wonderful, thoughtful and caring person. His help with my legal, financial and tax planning has been outstanding. I'm grateful for his experience, wisdom and counsel. I strongly recommend him.