Access Cattaraugus County Probate Court Records

Cattaraugus County probate court records are filed and stored at the Surrogate's Court in Little Valley, New York. The court has estate files going back to 1808 when the county was formed from Genesee County. You can search records online through the WebSurrogate portal at no cost, or visit the courthouse to view full files and get certified copies. The court handles wills, estate administration, guardianship, and adoption matters for all Cattaraugus County residents.

Cattaraugus County Surrogate's Court

The Surrogate's Court handles all probate court records in Cattaraugus County. This court processes the probate of wills, intestate administration, guardianship cases, and adoption proceedings. It is at 303 Court Street in Little Valley, the county seat. The court falls under the 8th Judicial District, which also covers Allegany, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Cattaraugus County was formed in 1808 from Genesee County. The court has kept probate records from that point forward, giving researchers access to more than two centuries of estate files. The Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office sits in the same building at 303 Court Street and keeps related land records, court records, and a Will Index. The Clerk's phone number is (716) 938-9115. Having both offices in one place makes it easy to handle estate and property searches in a single visit.

How to Search Cattaraugus County Probate Court Records

You can search online or in person. Each approach has its pros and cons depending on what you are looking for.

WebSurrogate is the state's free online tool for Surrogate's Court records. It covers Cattaraugus County. Search by party name or file number. You can filter by date of death. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 are available to view and download. For older probate court records, you need to go to the courthouse in Little Valley. Public access computers there let you view unrestricted historical files. The Old Index Search and Index Book Pages features on WebSurrogate may also have some historical records, though coverage varies by county.

The County Clerk at 303 Court Street also keeps a Will Index. Search for wills by picking "will" under document description. The Clerk maintains deeds, mortgages, and other land records that may be tied to estate matters. These records go back to 1808 and provide a full picture of property ownership over the years.

The NYSCEF system provides access to case indexes and docket information for Cattaraugus County. For civil cases filed electronically, you can search documents and calendar information through the state's e-filing portal. WebCivil Supreme and WebCivil Local also cover some Cattaraugus County court records.

Cattaraugus County Probate Court Records Fees

Filing fees in Cattaraugus County follow the state schedule under SCPA 2402. The amount is based on the gross estate value. Estates under $10,000 pay $45. Between $10,000 and $20,000, the cost is $75. From $20,000 to $50,000, the fee is $215. Estates from $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. The fee for $100,000 to $250,000 is $420. Estates between $250,000 and $500,000 cost $625. Estates at $500,000 or more pay $1,250.

If a will is contested, there are extra charges. Objections under SCPA 1410 cost $150. Demanding a jury trial is $150. Filing a note of issue is $45. Certified copies run $6 per page. A search and certification for records under 25 years old costs $30. For records over 25 years, the fee is $90. Recording any document is $8 per page with a $16 minimum.

Types of Probate Court Records in Cattaraugus County

The Surrogate's Court handles many types of estate cases. Probate proceedings happen when someone dies with a will. The executor files a petition, and the court checks the will under SCPA Article 4. The original will must be submitted. The court issues a citation to all interested parties. If no one objects, the court admits the will and issues letters testamentary to the executor.

When there is no will, the court opens an administration proceeding. An administrator is appointed based on priority set by New York law. Spouses come first. Then children and parents. Small estates under $50,000 can go through voluntary administration, which is faster and costs less. The filing uses a simple affidavit instead of a full petition. Under SCPA 1301, this shortcut lets families settle small estates without the full probate process.

The court also handles guardianship cases, trust proceedings, accountings, and wrongful death actions. Adoption proceedings are processed here too, but those records stay sealed. Access to guardianship files, death certificates on file with the court, tax returns, and documents with social security numbers is restricted under Uniform Rule 207.64.

Historical Probate Court Records in Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County has probate court records going back to 1808. The FamilySearch catalog lists wills from 1808 to 1918, letters of administration from 1808 to 1915, and estate papers from 1808 to 1900. These records are on microfilm and can be accessed at Family History Centers around the world without traveling to Little Valley.

The records tell the story of the early settlers in Cattaraugus County. Farmers, lumbermen, and merchants who built communities in the region left behind wills and estate files that show their property, debts, and family ties. For anyone researching Western New York families, these records are a key source. The County Clerk's land records add another layer, showing how property moved from one generation to the next through estates.

Electronic Filing in Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County requires e-filing for probate and administration cases when attorneys represent the parties. The NYSCEF system handles all electronic submissions. Self-represented parties can choose to file online or in person. The system accepts credit cards and sends automatic notifications about filings and court decisions.

For assistance with NYSCEF, call the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 or email nyscef@nycourts.gov. Staff are available from 8 AM to 6 PM on business days. E-filing lets you submit documents around the clock from any location with internet access.

Cities in Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County has several towns and villages. All of them file probate cases at the Cattaraugus County Surrogate's Court in Little Valley. Communities include Olean, Salamanca, Ellicottville, and Franklinville. Every estate matter goes through the court at 303 Court Street.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cattaraugus County. Make sure you file in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of death.