Departments

What is the Surrogate Court?

By Luana Jimerson

It is the judicial forum of the Nation that oversees the administration and settlement of a decedent’s person’s estate and resolves issues related to the administration of the estate.

Here are some questions that come up often with responses:

1) How do I begin an Estate?

a. Fill out an intake form

b. Provide a certified death certificate, copies of any deeds that the decedent may have

c. Provide a family tree and copy of the Will if there is one, and

d. Pay filing fee of $25.00

2) What if I can’t afford to pay the fees to begin an estate?

If you are unable to pay the filing fee plus $45.00 additional fee for administration papers, person(s) are considered for a waiver of court costs if found indigent with an approved application.

3) What if distribution by Seneca Nation Customs and Traditions (“Ten Day Feast”) happened for the decedent?

A “Ten Day Feast” form is submitted with the intake form and all necessary documents mentioned above.

4) Who should I call to begin an estate?

MEAKA GARLOW, COURT CLERK, Ext. 5486 between 7am and 3:30pm OR
NADINE JIMERSON, COURT CLERK, Ext. 5492 between 8:00 am and 4:30pm @ (716)532-0024

The Surrogate Court conducts its hearings on Monday and Friday afternoons. The Peacemaker’s Court conducts its hearings on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. The courtroom is reserved for the Court of Appeals on Wednesdays. Evening hours for court may be arranged on a case by case basis. Court fees may be paid with cash or credit card.