Buffalo Probate Court Records

Buffalo probate court records are filed at the Erie County Surrogate's Court on Franklin Street in downtown Buffalo. As the county seat of Erie County, Buffalo is home to the court that handles all estate matters for the region. Whether you need to probate a will, search for an existing estate file, or get copies of court documents, this is the place. The WebSurrogate portal lets you look up Erie County probate records online at no cost.

Erie County Surrogate's Court

Erie County Surrogate's Court is at 92 Franklin Street in downtown Buffalo. This is the court that handles probate court records for everyone who lived in Erie County at the time of death. That includes Buffalo, the surrounding suburbs, and all the smaller towns in the county. The court is part of the 8th Judicial District.

The Surrogate has exclusive authority over estate matters in the county under SCPA 205. This covers probate of wills, appointment of administrators for intestate estates, guardianship proceedings, trust matters, and accounting disputes. The court also handles adoption cases, though those records are sealed. Erie County is one of the larger counties in Western New York, so the court sees a steady stream of filings.

How to Search Buffalo Probate Court Records

The quickest way to search is online. Go to WebSurrogate and select Erie County. Enter the name of the deceased person. You can narrow results by date of death. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, and case types. Documents filed after February 2014 are viewable right there.

For older records, go to the courthouse at 92 Franklin Street. Public access terminals let you search the court's full index. The staff can help pull files for you to review. If you need certified copies, bring your request to the clerk's window. The cost is $6 per page for certified copies.

The Erie County Clerk's office is nearby and maintains land records, deeds, and other property documents. If an estate involves real property in Buffalo, the Clerk may have records you need. The court and Clerk's office work together often on estate matters that involve property transfers.

Probate Filing Fees in Buffalo

Filing fees are set by state law under SCPA 2402 and are the same in every county. Estates under $10,000 pay $45. Between $10,000 and $20,000, the fee is $75. From $20,000 to $50,000, it costs $215. Estates worth $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. The fee for $100,000 to $250,000 estates is $420. Estates from $250,000 to $500,000 cost $625. And estates over $500,000 pay $1,250.

Extra fees apply for contested cases. Filing objections to a will under SCPA 1410 costs $150. A jury trial demand is $150 more. Notes of issue cost $45. Record searches are $30 for documents under 25 years old and $90 for older records. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order.

How Probate Works in Buffalo

If someone in Buffalo dies with a will, the executor files a probate petition at the Erie County Surrogate's Court. You must bring the original will and a death certificate. The court reviews the will under SCPA Article 14. If it meets all the legal requirements, the court admits the will and issues letters testamentary.

When there is no will, someone files for administration. The surviving spouse gets first priority under SCPA 1001. Children are next. Then parents and siblings. The court appoints the administrator and usually requires a surety bond. Small estates valued at $50,000 or less can use the simpler voluntary administration process under SCPA Article 13.

Buffalo has a large number of estates that go through probate each year. The court handles everything from small family estates to complex cases involving business interests. Guardianship, trust, and accounting matters are also part of the court's regular work.

Electronic Filing

Erie County Surrogate's Court uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. Lawyers must e-file for probate and administration cases. Self-represented filers can choose to file online or in person. NYSCEF is available all day, every day. It sends email notifications about filings and court decisions. Credit card payments are accepted through the system.

Erie County Probate Court Records

For a complete guide to the Erie County Surrogate's Court, including historical records and more detail about fees and filing, see the county page.

Nearby Cities

These towns are near Buffalo in Western New York. Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, and Hamburg are all in Erie County and file probate at the same court.