Core Information Areas
Select a topic below to understand your responsibilities as an Executor in Erie County.
Surrogate's Court
Understand the difference between Article 13 Small Estate Voluntary Administration and Formal Probate at 92 Franklin Street.
- • Filing Timelines
- • SCPA 2402 Fee Schedules
- • Letters Testamentary
Bank Asset Freezes
Learn how NYS banking laws freeze solely-owned checking and savings accounts, and the exact steps to unfreeze them at local WNY branches.
- • M&T / KeyBank Protocols
- • Joint vs. Sole Ownership
- • Safe Deposit Box Access
Property & Debt
Navigate the transfer of vehicles at the Erie County DMV, selling inherited homes, and managing a deceased parent's credit card or medical debt.
- • House Sales & Mortgages
- • DMV Title Transfers
- • Handling Creditor Claims
Erie County Probate Library
Detailed, step-by-step educational guides for specific scenarios.
Small Estate Affidavit (Article 13)
$50k Limit & Step-by-Step NY Process
Surrogate's Court Fee Schedule
SCPA 2402 Detailed Probate Costs
Joint vs. Solely-Owned Bank Accounts
Unfreezing M&T and KeyBank Funds
DMV Vehicle Title Transfers
Inheriting a Car in Erie County
Parent's Credit Card & Medical Debt
Who pays when a parent passes away?
Accessing Safe Deposit Boxes
Filing an Order to Search in NY
Letters of Administration
What to do when there is no Will
Selling an Inherited House
Mortgages & Title Clearance in WNY
Out-of-State Executor Guide
Handling Buffalo Probate Remotely
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Probate
Common questions Erie County residents ask when navigating the Surrogate's Court process.
Where is the Erie County Surrogate's Court?
The Erie County Surrogate's Court is located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. This is the central hub for all estate administration, wills, and probate matters for residents of Erie County.
What is the limit for a Small Estate Affidavit in NY?
In New York State, if the deceased person's personal property is valued at less than $50,000 (excluding real estate), you may qualify for a Voluntary Administration, commonly known as a Small Estate Affidavit (Article 13).
How long does probate take in Erie County?
The timeline varies widely. A simple small estate might be processed in a few weeks, while a full formal probate process can take 7 months to over a year, depending on court backlogs and estate complexity.
Do I need a lawyer for probate in NY?
While not legally required for Voluntary Administration (Small Estates), navigating formal probate without an attorney is highly discouraged due to complex legal filings, SCPA guidelines, and potential personal liability as an Executor.
Bypass the $10,000 Upfront Funeral Cash Trap
Erie County courts take weeks to unfreeze bank accounts, but local WNY funeral homes demand payment in 48 hours. Don't force your family to float funeral costs on credit cards.
Direct-pay Funeral Assistance Programs operate entirely outside the Surrogate's Court. They pay the local funeral home instantly upon passing, bypassing probate freezes entirely.
The Timeline Mismatch
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Funeral Home Deadline
Payment required in 48-72 hours.
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Court / Bank Timeline
Accounts frozen for 3-6 weeks.
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The Solution
Direct-pay plans bridge the gap instantly, outside of probate.