How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Erie County, New York?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Erie County.
We found 9 estate law firms serving Erie County. Erie County is part of the Western New York region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Erie County Surrogate's Court.
New York uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Erie County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in New York are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 to 4%SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 31, 2026 of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Erie County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Surrogate's Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Western New York Firms
Cohen & Lombardo, P.C.
FirmBuffalo (Erie County) firm handling complex probate matters involving real estate, stock options, retirement accounts, and closely held businesses. Serves Erie County from offices in Buffalo and Amherst; AV Preeminent rated and practicing since 1933.
Location
343 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY 14222
Phone
(716) 881-3010
Established
1933
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningTax PlanningElder Law
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Gross Shuman P.C.
FirmLong-established Buffalo firm handling probate, estate and trust administration, and estate litigation for Western New York fiduciaries and beneficiaries. Admits wills to probate, addresses creditor claims, transfers probate and non-probate assets, and minimizes estate and trust income tax. Notable cross-border practice for U.S.-Canada estates.
Location
465 Main Street, Suite 600Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone
(716) 854-4300
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTax PlanningElder Law
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Katz and Baehre
FirmServes Erie County exclusively in estate planning, elder law, and probate. Every matter handled directly by a partner.
Location
8604 Main Street, Suite TwoWilliamsville, NY 14221
Phone
(716) 633-3363
Established
1992
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningElder Law
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Seaman Law LLP
FirmA Niagara County law firm providing estate planning, probate and estate administration, and elder law services. Helps clients with wills, powers of attorney, trusts, and avoiding probate proceedings.
Location
744 Davison RoadLockport, NY 14094
Phone
(716) 434-3311
Established
2013
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningElder Law
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Smolarek Law
FirmOver 20 years helping families throughout Orchard Park, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, West Seneca, and greater Buffalo. Protecting clients and their assets since 1993.
Location
5121 Clinton StreetElma, NY 14059
Phone
(716) 771-1601
Established
1993
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningElder Law
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Tiveron Law PLLC
FirmWestern New York firm with offices in Amherst, Buffalo, Ellicottville, Lancaster, and Lockport, serving Erie, Niagara, and Cattaraugus counties. Its estate practice handles Surrogate's Court probate, estate and trust administration, and will and trust litigation alongside a broader civil practice.
Location
2410 North Forest Road, Suite 301Amherst, NY 14068
Phone
(716) 636-7600
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder Law
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Voelkl Law PC
Solo PracticeWilliamsville (Erie County) firm handling Surrogate's Court probate, estate administration, and estate litigation across Western New York. Represents executors in estate openings and accountings and beneficiaries in will-validity challenges, fiduciary disputes, and ancillary probate for out-of-state property.
Location
19 S. Long StreetWilliamsville, NY 14221
Phone
(716) 633-4030
Established
2021
Estate AdministrationEstate PlanningTrust LitigationTax Planning
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Firms from Neighboring Regions
These firms are based in other regions but serve Erie County.
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The New York self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
New York uses reasonable fees for probate. Typical Erie County rates run $200–$500/hour, with simple estates taking 20–40 hours. Flat-fee arrangements are available from some firms.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: June 2026.
Surrogate's Court
Erie County
Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, 2nd Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone:
716-845-2560Fax:
716-845-7565
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
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