Court records in Erie County, New York, can be searched through several channels. ErieCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the Erie County Clerk's online public record search, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF), the Clerk's office in downtown Buffalo, and public terminals available at courthouse locations.
Erie Court System & Jurisdictions
Erie County sits within New York's Eighth Judicial District and is home to several courts, each handling distinct case types:
- Supreme Court — The trial court of general jurisdiction in New York. In Erie County, Supreme Court hears civil cases exceeding the monetary limits of lower courts, felony criminal matters, matrimonial and divorce actions, and equity cases. The Erie County Clerk serves as Clerk of Supreme Court and maintains those filings.
- County Court — Handles felony prosecutions, civil matters up to $25,000, and appeals from lower courts within the county.
- Family Court — Covers custody, visitation, child support, family offense (orders of protection), juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), foster care, and adoption proceedings. Family Court records are generally confidential under New York law.
- Surrogate's Court — The probate court for Erie County. Handles wills, estates, guardianships of incapacitated persons, and trust matters.
- City Courts — Buffalo City Court is the largest. City courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims (up to $5,000), civil matters up to $15,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations within city limits.
- Town and Village Courts (Justice Courts) — Local courts across Erie County's towns and villages handle vehicle and traffic offenses, small claims, minor civil disputes, and misdemeanor-level criminal cases. Each justice court maintains its own records.
Knowing which court handled a case is essential before searching for docket information, because records are maintained by the court where the case was filed.
Erie Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Erie County are managed through the New York State Unified Court System. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the New York State Courts eCourts portal — this is the primary online tool for looking up Supreme and County Court calendars in Erie County. You can search by party name, attorney name, or index number.
- For Buffalo City Court, calendars and appearance schedules are posted at the courthouse and may be available by contacting the court clerk directly.
- Town and Village Justice Courts set their own schedules. Contact the individual justice court for hearing dates — most hold court on specific evenings each week.
- For Family Court and Surrogate's Court, calendar information is typically available through the court clerk's office or the Eighth Judicial District's administrative office.
E-filed cases in Erie County are viewable through the NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing) system, where you can track filings and scheduled conferences in real time for participating courts.
How to Get a Copy of a Erie Court Document
The method for obtaining court documents depends on the court and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Online
- NYSCEF — E-filed documents in Erie County Supreme Court are available immediately for online public viewing at no charge through the NYSCEF system. You can view, download, and print documents.
- Erie County Clerk's BrowserView — The Clerk's online search portal provides access to recorded documents including judgments and liens. Court-related land records such as lis pendens and mechanics' liens are also searchable here.
In Person
Visit the Erie County Clerk's Office to request copies of Supreme and County Court records:
Bring the index number or case name. Staff can retrieve files and provide certified or uncertified copies on the spot, subject to applicable fees.
By Mail
Mail written requests to the address above. Include the full case caption or index number, the specific document(s) needed, whether you need certified or uncertified copies, and a check or money order for the fees. Review the general rules for requesting information from the Clerk's office before submitting.
Restricted Records
- Matrimonial records — Sealed for 100 years under New York State law. Only the plaintiff, defendant, or their attorneys may obtain copies.
- Family Court records — Confidential. Access is limited to parties and their attorneys.
- Sealed and expunged criminal records — Not available to the public. Requests for closed criminal record searches require a notarized form submitted by mail.
- Youthful offender records — Treated as confidential under New York law.
Erie Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Erie County are set by New York State statute (primarily CPLR § 8019 and County Law § 525). The table below reflects commonly assessed charges at the Erie County Clerk's Office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a document (per document) | $1.25 per page (minimum $5.00) |
| Uncertified photocopy | $0.65 per page |
| Certification or exemplification of a document | $5.00 per certificate |
| County Clerk record search (per name, per type of lien/judgment) | $5.00 per two-year period searched |
| Filing an RJI (Request for Judicial Intervention) | $95.00 |
| Index number purchase (civil Supreme Court filing) | $210.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Some online services through NYSCEF may involve credit card payment for e-filing fees. Contact the Clerk's office at (716) 858-8865 to confirm current accepted payment methods.
Fees are subject to change. For the most current schedule, check with the Erie County Clerk's website or call the office directly.