Western New York Courthouse Guide
Addresses, hours, phone numbers, and practical tips for every court you may need during a divorce or family law matter in Erie and Niagara County.
Which Court Handles Your Matter?
New York divides family law jurisdiction between two courts. Knowing which one handles your situation before you show up saves time — and frustration.
Supreme Court handles
Divorce • Property division • Spousal maintenance • Custody & support within a divorce • Separation agreements converted to divorce
Family Court handles
Custody & visitation (outside divorce) • Child support • Paternity • Orders of protection • Family offense • Adoption • Juvenile matters
City Court handles
Criminal matters • Small claims • Civil cases under $25,000 • Criminal orders of protection tied to an arrest
Erie County: Electronic Filing is Mandatory. All Supreme Court matters, including divorce, are filed through NYSCEF — the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (nyscef.ny.gov). Paper filings are no longer accepted for most civil matters. Your attorney handles NYSCEF filing on your behalf.
Court Locations & Hours
Erie County Supreme Court
Divorce Filed HereAddress25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
Chief Clerk's Office — Ground Floor
Phone & Fax(716) 845-9301 • Fax: (716) 851-3293
HoursMonday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed all New York State holidays
ParkingStreet metered parking on Delaware Ave and surrounding streets. The Lafayette Square Garage (Lafayette Square, Buffalo) and Erie County Center Garage (44 W. Eagle St.) are within 2–3 blocks. Allow extra time during business hours — downtown parking fills quickly.
Handles
Erie County Family Court
Custody & SupportAddress1 Niagara Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202
Petition Processing — 4th Floor
Phone & Fax(716) 845-7400 • Fax: (716) 845-2119
HoursMonday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed all New York State holidays
Free Legal Help DeskMonday, Wednesday & Friday, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM — 4th Floor. Free legal advice for qualifying individuals on family law matters.
ParkingNiagara Square and surrounding Civic Center area. The Niagara Square Municipal Parking Ramp on Niagara Square (immediately adjacent to Buffalo City Hall) is the closest covered option.
Handles
Buffalo City Court
Civil & CriminalAddress50 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone(716) 845-2600 • Civil Judgments: (716) 845-2662
HoursMonday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed all New York State holidays
Handles
Erie County Clerk's Office
Records & FilingAddress92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone(716) 858-3175
HoursMonday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Handles
Niagara County Courthouse
Supreme • Family • CountyAddress175 Hawley Street, Lockport, NY 14094
Houses Supreme Court, Family Court, County Court & Surrogate’s Court
Phone by DivisionSupreme & County Court: (716) 280-6400
Family Court: (716) 280-6500
HoursMonday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed all New York State holidays
ParkingThe Niagara County Courthouse sits on landscaped grounds in central Lockport. Free on-street and municipal parking is available on Hawley Street and adjacent streets. Parking is generally easier than downtown Buffalo.
Handles (all Niagara County family law)
Niagara County Supreme Court
Supreme CourtAddressAngelo Delsignore Civic Building
775 Third Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Phone(716) 371-4000
HoursMonday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed all New York State holidays
Handles
Before You Go to Court
Whether you are attending a court conference, filing paperwork, or appearing for a hearing, these practical tips apply to every WNY courthouse.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID. You will need it to enter the building and to identify yourself before the court.
- Allow time for security screening. All WNY courthouses use metal detectors and bag screening. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early, especially at 25 Delaware Ave and 1 Niagara Plaza.
- No weapons of any kind. Firearms, knives, pepper spray, and similar items are prohibited. Leave them at home or in your vehicle before entering.
- Silence your phone. Cell phones are generally permitted inside courthouses but must be silenced. Recording inside a courtroom is prohibited without judicial permission.
- Dress appropriately. Business casual or better is strongly recommended. Avoid clothing with offensive graphics or language. First impressions matter — even in the hallway.
- Bring copies of all relevant documents. Do not bring originals you cannot replace without prior arrangement with your attorney. Have your case index number available.
- Do not speak to opposing counsel without your attorney. If the other party’s lawyer approaches you in the hallway, politely decline to discuss the case and contact your attorney immediately.
- Childcare arrangements. Courts strongly discourage bringing minor children to proceedings. Arrange childcare in advance for all court dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court do I file for divorce in Erie County?
Divorce in Erie County is filed in Erie County Supreme Court at 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Supreme Court is the only court in New York that has jurisdiction to grant a divorce. However, in Erie County, filing is done electronically through NYSCEF — your attorney handles this and physical trips to the courthouse to file are generally not required.
What is the difference between filing in Supreme Court vs. Family Court for custody?
If you are married and going through a divorce, custody and child support are handled within the divorce proceeding in Supreme Court. If you are unmarried, or if you need to address custody and support separately from a divorce (including modifications to existing orders), those matters are filed in Family Court. Both courts can issue enforceable custody and support orders, but they operate independently.
Do I have to appear in person for my divorce case?
In an uncontested divorce, neither party typically needs to appear in court — the case is resolved by paperwork submitted to the judge. In a contested case, court appearances are required for preliminary conferences, motions, and trial. Your attorney will always tell you in advance when your presence is required and will accompany you to every appearance.
Where do I file an emergency Order of Protection in Erie County?
If you need an emergency Order of Protection and there is a pending family law matter, contact your attorney immediately. Emergency petitions for Orders of Protection in family law matters (domestic violence between household members) are filed in Erie County Family Court at 1 Niagara Plaza. Family Court has intake procedures for emergency petitions on the same day. If there is immediate danger, call 911 first.
What if my case involves both Erie and Niagara County?
Venue is generally determined by where the parties reside. If spouses live in different counties, the case is typically filed in the county where the plaintiff resides. We handle cases in both Erie and Niagara County courts and are familiar with local procedures, judges, and staff in each courthouse.