Estate Planning & Probate in Genesee County, New York
Most Genesee County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Surrogate's Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Surrogate's Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Genesee County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Genesee County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Genesee County→The Probate Process in Genesee County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Genesee County, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at One West Main Street, Suite 200, Batavia. The court sits in the 8th Judicial District.
Full Genesee Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Surrogate's Court
Genesee County · 8th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Genesee County · County Clerk · Michael T. Cianfrini
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$45 per document plus $5 for every page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $55; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Surrogate's Court
Scan the will for e-filing (the filer may unstaple the will). File the original paper will with the court within two (2) business days of e-filing. The court does not require the original death certificate. E-filing the original or an attorney-certified copy of the death certificate is sufficient.
New York Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Genesee County.
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