Erie County (Buffalo) · Western New York, New York
Erie County (Buffalo) Court Guide for Plaintiffs and Defendants
16 plain-language guides to how civil disputes move through the Erie courts — being sued, MCA lawsuits, debt cases, business disputes and collecting on a judgment.
Supreme Court: Erie County Supreme Court, Buffalo, NY
Lower court: Buffalo City Court, 50 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, plus other city, town and village courts
Getting started
Defending a case
- DefendantAnswering a Summons in Erie County (Buffalo)You usually have 20 or 30 days. Missing it can mean a default judgment.
- DefendantDefault Judgments in Erie County (Buffalo) and How to Vacate ThemA default can freeze your bank account. It can sometimes be undone.
- DefendantMerchant Cash Advance Lawsuits in Erie County (Buffalo)MCA suits target the business and the owner's personal guaranty.
- DefendantDebt Collection Lawsuits in Erie County (Buffalo)Debt buyers must prove they own the debt and the amount.
Starting a case
- Both sidesBusiness and Contract Disputes in Erie County (Buffalo)Read the contract's venue and arbitration clauses first.
- PlaintiffHow to File a Lawsuit in Erie County (Buffalo)Summons, complaint, index number, then proper service.
- Both sidesServing the Summons and ComplaintService mistakes are the most common reason judgments get vacated.
- PlaintiffSmall Claims and Commercial Claims in Erie County (Buffalo)Individuals can sue for up to about $5,000 without a lawyer.
- PlaintiffCollecting Unpaid Invoices in Erie County (Buffalo)Demand letter, account stated, lawsuit, judgment, collection.
During the case
Resolution
- Both sidesSettlement and Mediation in Erie County (Buffalo) CasesMost civil cases settle. Structure matters as much as the number.
- PlaintiffEnforcing and Collecting a JudgmentA judgment is good for 20 years and earns 9% interest.
- Both sidesAppealing a Civil DecisionThe notice of appeal is due 30 days after service with notice of entry.
General information about Erie County (Buffalo) court procedure, not legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm current requirements with the court or an attorney before acting.