Losing a loved one is hard enough without navigating Erie County Surrogate’s Court alone. Whether you are in North Buffalo, South Buffalo, Cheektowaga, or anywhere across Erie County, Russel Morgan, Esq. provides clear, step-by-step probate guidance tailored to New York law.
What to Expect After You Book
Erie County Surrogate’s Court handles all probate matters for Buffalo-area estates. The process begins when a Petition for Probate, the original will, and a certified death certificate are filed. Under SCPA §1414, the court issues Letters Testamentary, granting the executor legal authority to gather assets, satisfy debts, and distribute the estate.
Key facts for Buffalo estates in 2026:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing statutes | SCPA + EPTL |
| Executor authority | Letters Testamentary (SCPA §1414) |
| Interim authority | Preliminary Letters (SCPA §1412) |
| Uncontested timeline | ~3–6 months |
| Attorney fees (typical) | ~$3,000–$10,000 |
| Court filing fee | Graduated by estate value (SCPA §2402) |
| NY estate tax exclusion (2026) | $7,350,000 (cliff at $7,717,500) |
| Small estates | SCPA Article 13 voluntary administration |
If the estate is modest and holds no real property, a small estate affidavit under SCPA Article 13 may avoid full probate entirely. Contested matters are handled through contested probate proceedings.
Book a 30-minute call with Russel Morgan, Esq. to discuss your Erie County estate today.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: what to ask a probate lawyer before hiring.