Erie County Family Court Records

Erie County family court records are on file at One Niagara Plaza in Buffalo. This is one of the busiest family courts in western New York, with ten judges and multiple support magistrates on staff. The court handles custody cases, child support, family offenses, juvenile matters, and more. You can search for family court records by calling the court clerk, visiting in person, or using the state's online case tools. Erie County sits in the 8th Judicial District, which stretches across eight counties in the western part of the state. If you need records or want to file a new case, the courthouse staff can walk you through the steps.

Erie County Family Court Office

The Erie County Family Court is at One Niagara Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202. The main phone is 716-845-7400. The fax is 716-845-2119. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The court is closed on all state holidays. The Chief Clerk is Kelly Buckley (kbuckley@nycourts.gov, 716-845-7444), and the Deputy Chief Clerk is Lisa A. Virgilio (lvirgili@nycourts.gov, 716-845-7444).

Erie County Family Court has ten judges spread across eight parts on the 6th and 7th floors. Hon. Jeffrey M. Harrington sits in Part 1 (716-845-9490). Hon. Sharon LoVallo is in Part 2 (716-845-7453). Hon. Kelly Brinkworth handles Part 3 (716-845-7487). Hon. Shannon Filbert is in Part 4 (716-845-7481). Hon. Kevin Carter covers Part 5 on the 6th floor (716-845-7484). Hon. Thomas DiMillo also works from the 6th floor (716-845-2771). Hon. Kara Buscaglia is in Part 6 (716-845-9435), Hon. Deanne Tripi in Part 7 (716-845-7496), Hon. Mary G. Carney in Part 8 (716-845-7493), and Hon. Brenda M. Freedman rounds out the bench (716-845-7475). Each judge has a direct phone and fax line.

The court also has six Court Attorney Referees: Kathleen A. Crowley, Donna M. Castiglione, Margaret Logan, Ashlea Palladino, Ayoka A. Tucker, and Christopher J. Brechtel. Their main number is 716-845-7450. Five Support Magistrates handle child support cases: Tina Kasperek, Wendy Peterson, Delroy Pinnock, Marissa Washington, and John S. Wiencek. The Support Magistrates Office is at 716-845-7465.

Search Erie County Family Court Records

To search for family court records in Erie County, start with the court clerk. Call 716-845-7400 and ask to be sent to the right desk. Petition Processing is at 716-845-7420. The Record Room is at 716-845-7401. Both share the fax number 716-845-7562. You can visit in person at One Niagara Plaza in Buffalo during business hours.

The WebFamily portal from the New York State Unified Court System lets you look up family court case info online. You can search by case number or party name. The NY CourtHelp records page explains other ways to get court records, including the eCourts system and NYSCEF guest search for Supreme Court filings. Keep in mind that FCA § 166 limits who can see family court records. These files are not open to the public like regular court records are.

The building is handicap accessible. Multiple language interpreters are available at the court. If you need these services, let the clerk know when you call or arrive.

Erie County Family Court Records Resources

The 211 Western NY page for Erie County Family Court lists the court address, services, and contact info for the clerk's office.

This directory page confirms the court's location at One Niagara Plaza and notes that there are no filing fees for Family Court cases. It also lists the court's primary services including adoption, family law, and juvenile matters.

The NYS Navigator directory for Erie County provides another look at the court's contact info and links to family resources across the 8th Judicial District.

This page connects you to support services and legal help options in Erie County and the surrounding area. It is useful for people who are new to the family court process.

Erie County Family Court Records Access

There are no filing fees for Family Court cases in Erie County. That is true across all of New York State. You can file a petition without paying a dime. But getting copies of records is a bit different. The court may charge a per-page fee for copies and more for certified copies. Contact the Record Room at 716-845-7401 for the current rates.

Under FCA § 166, family court records are not public the way other court files are. The law protects the privacy of children and families. Only the parties, their lawyers, and certain agencies can see these records without a court order. Under 22 NYCRR § 205.5, the court must keep records safe and limit who has access. If you need records and you are not a party, you have to file a motion asking the judge to let you see the file. Adoption records are sealed. Juvenile records also have strong protections.

The 8th Judicial District, which includes Erie County, has set up a cutoff time policy for same-day hearing of petitions. This means if you file late in the day, your case may not be heard until the next business day. Call ahead to find out the cutoff time so you don't waste a trip.

Note: The Youth Part Intake has moved to Erie County Court, not Family Court.

Family Court Case Types in Erie County

Erie County Family Court handles a wide range of cases. The court has jurisdiction over child support, family offenses, paternity, custody, child marriages, adoptions, child neglect and abuse, children under 18 in need of supervision, and juvenile delinquency. That is a lot of ground to cover, and it is why the court has ten judges and five support magistrates.

The Family Treatment Court Coordinator is Tari Ann McGinty (716-845-2741). This program helps parents with substance use issues who are involved in child welfare cases. Under FCA § 216-a, the court can refer families to treatment as part of the legal process. Family Treatment Court combines regular court dates with treatment plans and support from social services.

Erie County is part of the 8th Judicial District along with Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. Forms are available on the NYS Courts forms page for all courts in this district.

Cities in Erie County

Erie County covers Buffalo and many surrounding communities. All family court cases for residents of these cities go through the Erie County Family Court at One Niagara Plaza.

Nearby Counties

These counties sit next to Erie County. If you are not sure where to file, check the address of the parties. Cases go in the county where one of the parties lives.