Lieberman Siebers Law Firm

12/16/2020

Finally, an answer to the Pittsburgh vs. Chicago debate between Ben and Spencer (sort of) ...

Matthew Wood, Nathalia Moss

04/06/2020

Following up on our post from last week, the IRS issued an alert that scammers are using the recent COVID-19 stimulus bill to try to obtain our personal information. Here are some important reminders:

1. The IRS isn't going to call you asking to verify or provide your financial information so you can get an economic impact payment or get your refund faster.

2. The IRS does not send emails to taxpayers. Do not open emails appearing to come from the IRS or click on attachments or links.

3. Do not respond to any request for your personal or financial information through phone, email or social media.

4. Go to IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information.

04/02/2020

At our firm, we see horrific scams that prey on seniors. Times of uncertainty seem to make scammers worse. Sometimes it's over the phone or internet, and sometimes it's a "trusted" friend or family member. Our firm will be publishing a detailed article shortly, but as an immediate caution, (1) please be on the lookout for scammers calling and requesting bank account information for coronavirus stimulus deposits; and (2) make sure you know and trust anyone who has a power of attorney over you or a vulnerable loved one.

03/25/2020

This is a sad story from KSL concerning the recent increase in domestic violence calls. While you may have heard about delays and cancellations in Utah state courts, the courts are still open to hear emergency matters like protective orders. While we help people with protective orders and stalking injunctions all the time, there are free resources available for domestic violence victims. Please don't feel that COVID-19 prevents you from getting help if you are the victim of domestic violence or stalking.

https://www.utcourts.gov/resources/forms/protectorder/information.html

https://www.ksl.com/article/46734371/salt-lake-police-report-dramatic-uptick-in-domestic-violence

Officers have responded to more incidents since coronavirus restrictions enacted.

03/20/2020

To the Members of Our Community:

We at Lieberman Siebers are saddened by the outbreak of COVID-19. We want to express our gratitude to everyone in our community working to keep our lives as healthy and normal as possible.

For the past several weeks, we noticed that can see information everywhere about how to plan for just about everything related to COVID-19. However, no one seems to be posting about how to be legally ready for a health emergency.

As basic pillars of any estate plan, we recommend every person over the age of 18 plan for incapacity with a power of attorney and advanced health care directive. This isn’t a sales pitch. You don’t need to get them from us. Just have them. Basic-level power of attorney and advanced health care directive forms are available for free by following the links below:

https://www.utcourts.gov/howto/family/power_of_attorney_general/docs/01_Power_of_Attorney.pdf

https://aging.utah.edu/_documents/utah-coa/directives/fillin-2009.pdf

If you or a loved one was to require hospitalization for COVID-19 (or for any other reason), having just a basic-level power of attorney and advanced health care directive is more important that any stash of toilet paper.

Be safe and well.

06/17/2018

Partner Spencer Siebers recently met with seniors at Salt Lake County Seniors’ Centers to discuss Utah’s Advance Health Care Directive form and instructions. This is the form people of any age fill out to ensure their wishes regarding end-of-life care and decision-making is carried out in the event they become incapacitated and cannot communicate those wishes directly. There are two key parts to the directive. One part, the one that most people think of when putting together their directive, is the instructions themselves. But the other part, choosing the agent whose task it will be to actually carry out those instructions, is equally important.

One thing that has come up over and over again during Spencer's sessions at the seniors’ centers is that the attendees are almost exclusively women whose husbands have predeceased them. These women felt confident making decisions for their husband's end-of-life care because they had discussed those circumstances many times and understood their wishes. But now, with their spouse gone, who would be in a position to make those decisions for them?

While end-of-life care and determinations are often freely discussed between spouses, these discussions are much less frequent with children, friends and doctors. But, obviously, they need to happen. In choosing an agent to make these decisions, there are some key points to consider.

First, your agent has to know what you want. The best way for your agent to know your wishes is for you to tell him or her. If your child isn’t comfortable talking about end-of-life decisions (“oh Mom, you’re healthy, let’s talk about something else”), then he or she will not know what to do as your agent.

Second, your agent needs to comply with your wishes, not his or her wishes. If you’ve had these discussions with a child or children and they vehemently disagree with your wishes (“Mom, I don’t care what you say, we’re going to do everything possible to keep you around forever’), then how likely are they to carry out your wishes as agent?

Third, your agent needs to speak up for you. Family dynamics come in all shapes and sizes. When the family gathers around the hospital bed, will your chosen agent be ready, willing and able to assert his or her authority – even over objections other family members? This is not a “vote;" you have empowered an agent and it is their decision.

So choose your agent wisely, but do choose. Think through your selection, but don’t put off having your Advance Directive in place. Peace of mind will follow.

05/30/2018

Our law firm has one focus: the client. Period.

05/30/2018

Our law firm has one focus: the client. Period.

Located in central Salt Lake City in the 9th and 9th neighborhood. Follow link in bio to find contact info and website details!