Morgan Legal Group serves families across Buffalo — from the East Side and North Buffalo to Cheektowaga, Amherst, and Lackawanna — who need guidance navigating New York’s guardianship courts.
Which Court Handles Your Case?
The correct court depends on who needs protection:
| Situation | Governing Law | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Adult who has lost capacity | MHL Article 81 | Supreme Court, Erie County |
| Minor (person or property) | SCPA Article 17 | Erie County Surrogate’s Court |
| Developmentally disabled person (incl. age-18 transition) | SCPA Article 17-A | Erie County Surrogate’s Court |
Adult Article 81 guardianship proceedings are never filed in Surrogate’s Court — a common mistake that delays families when time is critical.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
Attorney Russel Morgan, Esq. will review your situation and advise whether a formal guardianship petition is necessary or whether alternatives such as a Durable Power of Attorney (GOL §5-1513) or Health Care Proxy may accomplish your goals with less court involvement. If guardianship is required, we guide you through every stage — from Order to Show Cause through the Court Evaluator process, guardian duties, and annual reporting obligations.
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Have a question about your estate?
Talk it through with Russel Morgan — free 30-minute consult.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: .