Yes. You should review your estate plan before the end of 2026 if you have experienced a marriage, divorce, birth, death, property purchase, retirement, or significant financial change. Even without a major life event, checking your will, trust, beneficiary designations, power of attorney, and health care proxy can help ensure that your current wishes are […]

When a firearm owner dies in New York, handguns do not automatically pass into the lawful possession of a spouse, child, or other heir. The estate must arrange legal custody and transfer. New York Penal Law § 265.20 gives an executor, administrator, or other lawful possessor a limited period of no more than 15 days […]

Yes. In many cases, you can change the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement account, annuity, certain bank accounts, or transfer-on-death securities without changing your will. The key is knowing which document controls each asset. A will generally directs property that becomes part of your probate estate. Assets with valid beneficiary designations often pass […]

Summary Digital assets do not disappear when you die. Email accounts, cloud photos, social media profiles, online businesses, cryptocurrency, payment accounts, domain names, and other electronic records may all require attention during estate administration. If you live in Buffalo or elsewhere in New York, your estate plan should address both traditional property and the part […]

Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC strongly recommends reviewing your Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy every few years, and spring offers a natural opportunity to do so. Life in Buffalo, New York, can change rapidly with the seasons, and with it, your legal and financial circumstances may shift as well. Spring symbolizes renewal and preparation, […]