Estate Planning & Probate in Orleans County, New York
Most Orleans County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Surrogate's Court details.
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 Orleans County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Orleans County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Orleans County→The Probate Process in Orleans 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 Orleans County, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at Orleans County Courthouse, 1 South Main Street, Suite 3, Albion. The court sits in the 8th Judicial District.
Full Orleans Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Surrogate's Court
Orleans County · 8th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Orleans County · County Clerk · Nadine P. Hanlon
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
$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
Before filing, run NYSCEF inquiry on decedent last name with first initial. Contact court to check for wills filed for safekeeping. Case name must be identical to name on will. No punctuation or spaces. Name on death certificate different from will = add as AKA.
New York Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Orleans County.
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