New York County (Manhattan) Surrogate’s Court
THE LATEST INFORMATION ON NEW YORK COUNTY (MANHATTAN)’s SURROGATE’S COURT
Overview
The Surrogate’s Court hears cases relating to individuals who have passed away, including disagreements about wills and the proper way to manage or divide the estate (total assets and liabilities). Surrogate’s courts are also authorized to handle adoptions.
Location
Serving the estates of individuals who were domiciled in New York County (Manhattan) at the time of their death.
For estate matters of decedents having been domiciled in any other county, please contact the Surrogate’s Court of that county directly.
31 Chambers Street,New York, NY,10007,United States
Directions: Court is located on Chambers St. between Centre and Elk Sts.
Public Transportation: Subway: 1, 2, 3, 9 to Chambers St.; 4, 5, 6, J to Chambers St./Brooklyn Bridge
Bus: M-15, M-9
Hours of Operation:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone:
646-386-5000
Fax:
212-266-9844
ADA
NEW YORK COUNTY – Surrogate’s Court
-
Surrogate
Hilary Gingold -
Surrogate
Rita M Mella -
Chief Clerk
Gunwanti Singh -
Deputy Chief Clerk
Veronica Sanchez
All citations in Administration Proceedings, whether issued in matters before Surrogate Gingold or Surrogate Mella, will be returnable in person. Citations will be returnable at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Surrogate Mella’s Process for Filing Motions in New York County Surrogate’s Court
Counsel’s Participation in Surrogate Mella’s Courtroom Proceedings – To create opportunities for attorneys knowledgeable of the subject matter and the case and who historically have been underrepresented in Surrogate’s Court practice, courtroom participation of such attorneys is strongly encouraged. This could be achieved, for example, by giving speaking roles in court proceedings to a less senior attorney who worked on the papers submitted to the court and is knowledgeable about the case or by having such attorney argue the application before Surrogate Rita Mella.
New Efiling Protocol:
New York County Surrogate’s Court users can file all proceedings electronically through the NYSCEF system except for Miscellaneous filings.
Help Center
The Help Center is available for people who are not represented by attorneys. Information on procedure and the law, required forms and referrals are available. The hours are 9:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm Monday through Friday in Room 302. No appointments necessary – first come first served.
What to Do When Someone Dies
Accounting Department
(Estate & Trust Accountings)
Phone: 646-386-5002
accounting_general@nycourts.gov
Administration Dept. / Small Estates
(Decedents leaving no will)
Phone: 646-386-5005
administration_general@nycourts.gov
Cashier / Certificates / Certifications
(Fees)
Phone: 646-386-5006
cashier_general@nycourts.gov
Guardian / Adoption Department
(Infant / 17A Applications)
Phone: 646-386-5003
guardian_general@nycourts.gov
Help Center
(For Self-represented people)
Phone: 646-386-5208
Help@nycourts.gov
Law Department Reception Area
Phone: 646-386-5800
Miscellaneous Dept. / Calendar Clerk
(Miscellaneous proceedings / Motions via mail or in person only).
Phone: 646-386-5001
misc_general@nycourts.gov
Probate Department
(Decedents leaving a will)
Phone: 646-386-5004
probate_general@nycourts.gov
Records Search & Certifications
Phone: 646-386-5090
recordroom_general@nycourts.gov
NY County Public Administrator
(Estates of decedents leaving unknown heirs / Police Property Vouchers)
Phone: 212-788-8430, Room 311
Robert Friedman
NY Probate Attorney
For further New York estates and probate information and updates: