Otsego County 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.

Judges’ Chambers

Surrogate Judge
Hon. John F. Lambert

Secretary
Stacy Johansen

Law Clerk
Brian Jayakumar

Otsego County Office Building
197 Main Street, Suite 11
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: 607-322-3175
Fax: 607-240-5965

Court Clerk’s Office

Chief Clerk
Lisa Weite

Court Links

• Article 81 Guardianship Proceedings
• Checklists
• Forms

Surrogate Judge
Hon. Michael F. Getman

Secretary
Beth Adams

Court Attorney 
Sarah E. Cowen

County Court Chambers
Otsego County Office Building
197 Main Street, Suite 13
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: 607-322-3165
Fax: 607-240-5963

Court Clerk’s Office

Chief Clerk
Lisa Weite

Court Links

• Article 81 Guardianship Proceedings
• Checklists
• Forms

About the Court

Surrogate’s Court has jurisdiction over affairs of decedents, including probate, intestate, small estate and ancillary proceedings, disputed claims, discovery proceedings, accountings, compromise and settlement of wrongful death actions, inter vivos and testamentary trusts and adoptions. Guardianships of the person and property of infants as well as Article 17A proceedings are also handles through this Court.

Records dating back to 1792 are on file in Surrogate’s Court and are available to the general public. 

WebSurrogate

WebSurrogate is a web-based file search and document retrieval solution that provides information on estate proceedings and other 
filings within New York State Surrogate’s Courts and is now available on the internet! 

It is a free service that allows users to search estate files, retrieve associated documents, and view historical estate records that are considered public information. Please review the HELP link in this program for important additional information.

6th Judicial District