Attorney Robert Friedman will present Fifteen Ways to Avoid Probate & Ensure a Smoother Transition of Assets on June 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Elder Law Day. Learn how to pass on your money and property without going through New York probate court (a process that can be slow, costly, and stressful for your family). This session may be helpful if:
-      You are worried about the cost and stress of probate court on your loved ones
-      You want to reduce the chances of family disputes after your death
-      You own a home or other property and want to pass it on smoothly
-      You have life insurance, retirement accounts, or joint bank accounts
-      You want to avoid common New York estate planning mistakes
-      You are concerned about New York Medicaid estate recovery (when the government seeks repayment after you pass)
-      You are concerned that your existing will or trust needs updating
Erie County Department for the Aging and the Center for Elder Law & Justice will host Elder Law Day on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 8:00 am  to- 2:15 pm  at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Hwy, Amherst, NY 14221. The event brings together legal professionals and service providers focused on aging and long-term planning.
Attendees can access free legal consultations, information on estate planning and Medicaid, and resources for long-term care and caregiving.
The event is open to older adults, caregivers, and families looking to better understand available options and support services. Participants are encouraged to register here by May 21, 2026.
Discussion of the types of non-probate assets will include: Life Insurance, UTMA Accounts, U.S. Savings Bonds, Investment Accounts Designated as Transfer on Death; IRAs/401(k)s; Annuities; Joint, Payable on Death, Trust, and Transfer on Death Bank Accounts; Automobiles; Lifetime Gifts; Living/Inter Vivos Trusts; Corporation Stock; LLC Membership; Joint Tenants with the Right of Survivorship and  Tenants-by-the-Entirety Real Estate; Life Estates; and Transfer on Death Deeds.
Robert Friedman is senior partner of the Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC law firm, which was founded in 1955. He has 47 years’ experience handling estate planning probate, elder law and guardianship matters. Mr. Friedman regularly presents  estate planning and nursing home asset preservation seminars at senior centers throughout WNY. He has been a board member of numerous organizations serving the senior population, including Hearts & Hands Faith in Action, Clarence Senior Center, Crossroads House, and the Brothers of Mercy Campus Foundation.
