Whether you are opening an estate in Erie County Surrogate’s Court, navigating a contested matter in western New York, or seeking a small estate affidavit for a modest asset, Russel Morgan, Esq. is ready to help.
Why Buffalo Families Turn to Us
Erie County estates involve local procedural nuances — from filing the Petition for Probate and original will at the Erie County Surrogate’s Court, to serving citations on distributees across communities like Cheektowaga, Amherst, and Tonawanda. We know the Surrogate’s Court’s return-date calendar and coordinate every step under SCPA §1414 (Letters Testamentary) and SCPA §1412 (Preliminary Letters Testamentary for interim authority).
Key Facts Before You Call
| Matter | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Uncontested probate timeline | ~3–6 months |
| Attorney fee range | ~$3,000–$10,000 |
| Court filing fee | Graduated by estate value (SCPA §2402) — confirm with counsel |
| NY estate tax exclusion (2026) | $7,350,000; cliff at $7,717,500 |
| Small estates (no real property) | SCPA Article 13 voluntary administration |
For executor duties, the full probate overview, or a Surrogate’s Court procedural guide, explore our resource pages.
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Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: ways to keep an estate out of probate.