Find Probate Court Records in Niagara County

Niagara County probate court records are held at the Surrogate's Court in Lockport. The courthouse at 175 Hawley Street handles all estate cases for people who lived in Niagara County when they died. You can search records online for free through the WebSurrogate system or visit the courthouse to view files in person. Niagara County is part of the 8th Judicial District and has estate records going back to the early 1800s. The court manages will probate, estate administration, guardianships, and other related matters.

Niagara County Surrogate's Court

All probate court records in Niagara County are kept at the Surrogate's Court in Lockport. The court handles the probate of wills, administration of estates when there is no will, guardianship proceedings, and adoption cases. It is part of the 8th Judicial District, which also includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

Niagara County was created in 1808 from Genesee County. The county seat of Lockport has served as the hub for all county government since then. The Surrogate's Court at 175 Hawley Street is in the main courthouse building, where you can also find the County Clerk's office and other county departments. E-filing through NYSCEF is available and mandatory for cases with attorney representation.

How to Search Niagara County Probate Court Records

You have two main ways to search Niagara County probate court records. The online option uses WebSurrogate, a free tool from the state court system. You can search by party name, file number, or date of death. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 are viewable online. Older records need an in-person visit.

At the courthouse in Lockport, public access computers let you search the court's index and view files that are not restricted. Staff can help you find the right records, though they are not able to give legal advice. For genealogy work, the court's records show family relationships, property details, debts, and other facts about deceased persons and their estates.

The Niagara County Clerk's Office, also in Lockport, keeps land records and related documents. If an estate involves real property, you may want to check both offices. The Clerk can help with deed searches and property transfer records tied to estate cases.

What to bring when you search:

• Full name of the deceased
• Date of death or filing date if known
• Case or file number
• Type of proceeding

Niagara County Probate Court Records Fees

Fees in Niagara County follow the same statewide schedule set by SCPA 2402. The amount is based on gross estate value. Estates under $10,000 pay $45. From $10,000 to $20,000, it is $75. Between $20,000 and $50,000, the cost is $215. Estates worth $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. From $100,000 to $250,000, the fee is $420. Between $250,000 and $500,000, it costs $625. Estates at $500,000 or more require $1,250.

Extra fees apply for contested matters. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 costs $150. Jury trial demands cost $150. A note of issue is $45. Certified copies run $6 per page. Searching a record under 25 years old costs $30, while records over 25 years cost $90.

Types of Probate Court Records in Niagara County

Niagara County Surrogate's Court handles several types of estate cases. Probate is the process for estates where the deceased left a valid will. The named executor files a petition with the court and submits the original will. The court checks that it meets the requirements of SCPA Article 4. Copies of wills are not accepted.

When someone dies without a will, the court starts an administration proceeding. State law sets the order for who can serve as administrator. Spouses have first priority. Children come next, then parents. For small estates worth $50,000 or less, there is a voluntary administration option that is faster and costs less.

Guardianship cases, trust matters, accountings, and wrongful death actions are also handled here. Adoption records are permanently sealed. Access to guardianship documents, death certificates filed with the court, and documents containing Social Security numbers is limited under court rules. Estate tax returns filed between May 1990 and January 2001 are sealed as well.

Electronic Filing in Niagara County

Niagara County uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. E-filing is mandatory for probate and administration cases when an attorney represents the parties. Self-represented filers can choose to use NYSCEF or file papers in person at the courthouse.

NYSCEF lets you submit documents at any time. Email notifications go out when filings are made or court decisions are posted. Credit card payments are accepted through the system. If you need help, call the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033.

Niagara County Records Access

Niagara County government offices in Lockport provide access to court records, land records, and other documents needed for estate administration.

Cities in Niagara County

Niagara County includes the cities of Niagara Falls, Lockport, and North Tonawanda. All probate cases for county residents go through the Niagara County Surrogate's Court at 175 Hawley Street in Lockport. There are no major cities in the county that meet the population threshold for a separate page, but all communities file at the same courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Niagara County. If the deceased lived in a different county, you must file there instead.