Niagara County Probate Court Records

Niagara County probate records are the official estate records, comprising wills and probate filings, maintained by the Niagara County Surrogate’s Court. These records cover scenarios after someone’s death (like proving a will and appointing an executor or administrator). These records also concern matters such as trust proceedings and protective cases for individuals in need of assistance managing personal or financial affairs, typically handled through guardianship-type proceedings. In New York, guardianship-type proceedings are usually referred to as "guardianships" rather than "conservatorships," depending on the type of case.

In Niagara County, standard probate filings include a petition to probate a will, a petition for letters testamentary or letters of administration (authority to act for the estate), inventories and accountings, and applications connected to estate distributions.

Regarding access to probate records, requesters may be able to search newer and historical Surrogate’s Court information online through WebSurrogate. This is the New York State Unified Court System’s public search tool for Surrogate’s Court files and documents that are considered public information. Nonetheless, requesters may still need to visit the Surrogate’s Court clerk’s office to access dated or more detailed files. clerk’s office. It is also noteworthy that certain probate-related matters or documents may be restricted by law or sealed by court order.

County	Court Name	Address	Phone Number	Office Hours
Niagara County	Niagara County Surrogate’s Court (New York State Unified Court System)	Niagara County Courthouse, 175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY 14094	(716) 280-6460	Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.