SL_LiebmannFamilyLaw_Profile_1_19_Profile 1 / 14 / 19 2 : 13 PM Page 2 document , which is devoted specifically for real estate , to be a “ better and more effective practice . ” • An advance healthcare directive , also known as a living will , determines the medical pro - cedures an individual does or does not want performed to sustain the individual’s life , if the individual is suffering from an incurable and terminal condition . • A healthcare power of attorney enables an agent to make healthcare decisions for an individual . In some cases , the agent is the individual’s spouse . As with other es - tate - planning documents , having an alternate agent would enable another designated party to step in and manage healthcare decisions if , for instance , both spouses are injured or ill at the same time . While the careful creation of these docu - ments is of paramount importance , Sowerbutts m says a thorough attorney will go “ above and beyond ” the collection of information and preparation of documents , such as ensuring that agents are aware of their responsibilities . His goal : “ to create a unified plan and make sure everything has been put into its proper place . ” “ When I meet with clients , I go over all of these details , and I also explain to them that about liebmann it’s their money so they should be able to protect it as best they can and exactly as they want , ” he says . “ I’m willing to get on the phone and make sure that happens so their account administrators set up the accounts family law the way I’m recommending . ” IRA accounts may be a good example . Founded in 2008 , Newtown - based Liebmann Family Law is one of a “ There’s a whole layer of issues with IRA handful of firms in Bucks County focusing exclusively on issues accounts , ” he says . “ The rules are very strict pertaining to family law : contested and uncontested divorce ; child in terms of linking an IRA account to a trust . custody and visitation ; child support ; spousal support and alimony ; In order to have trust - controlled IRA assets , it prenuptial and postnuptial agreements ; division of property ; wills has to be constructed in a certain way or it and estates ; grandparents ’ rights ; and adoption . will be ignored by the IRS . If the IRA trust is ig - The firm includes three full - time attorneys — Jeffrey A . Liebmann , nored , it may have to be cashed out , which Mindy J . Snyder , and David Sowerbutts — aided by four legal assistants . will result in a huge tax event . ” Each of the attorneys has at least 30 years of experience in family In addition to wills and estates , Sowerbutts law , and each of them possesses a unique skill set , handling each concentrates his practice in family law and case with care and compassion . If needed , any one of the three at - real estate , as well as business and transactional torneys can step in and handle any emergency , or answer questions work . Such diversity of practice often comes that may arise throughout a case . into play , as a single client may have legal needs that span several areas of the law . For example , a small - business owner may come Sowerbuttsnames four other critical documents Although an 18 - year - old may be an adult in in for counsel when selling off a business , but that can affect what happens if , for instance , the eyes of the state , most 18 - year - olds lack he may also require a prenuptial agreement someone becomes ill , injured , or unable to the maturity and discipline needed to manage in advance of a second marriage . At the same manage their affairs : such a life - changing event . As a result , the time , Sowerbutts will also be able to handle • A durable power of attorney designates an wealth an individual worked so hard to accu - updates to the individual’s estate - planning agent in the event that the person becomes mulate in life could end up getting squandered . documents . incapacitated or is in a state of health where In these cases , Sowerbutts might recom - “ My goal is to advise and protect every he or she can no longer manage his or her mend establishing a trust as a way to delay client , ” he says . “ With estate planning , it’s all affairs . “ If you don’t have one , somebody the distribution of that money until a later about protecting your assets and preserving may be forced to go to court to try to get date , such as 25 . “ By that age , ” he says , “ most your wishes . If you put the essential documents guardianship , ” Sowerbutts says . “ It’s time people are beyond college and the initial into place , you’re the one who ultimately intensive , it’s expensive , and the judge is the stages of graduate school . They will likely be controls what happens to yourself and to one who makes the decision — not you . ” in a better position to make good decisions . ” ? your assets , not a judge or anyone else . ” • A real estate power of attorney designates an agent in regard to real estate transactions . Above and Beyond Sowerbutts says title companies will accept Estate - planning matters concern much more LIEBMANN FAMILY LAW D a general durable power of attorney , but he than simply crafting a will that spells out who , The Atrium | 4 Terry Drive , Suite 4 considers this simpler and more compact when , and how assets will be distributed . 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