Tompkins 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.

Mailing Address: PO Box 70, Ithaca, NY 14851-0070

Located at the corner of Tioga St & Court St. Enter through the main entrance on Tioga Street.
All visitors must pass through a magnetometer upon entering the courthouse.

No public parking except for 1 handicapped parking space.

Hours of Operation:

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
Except State Holidays.

(The office may be closed for lunch if one of the staff members is out of the office.)

Phone: 607-216-6655

Fax: 212-457-2952

ADA TOMPKINS COUNTY – Courthouse

Chief Clerk 

Lori S. Decker

Judges’ Chambers

Surrogate

Hon. Joseph R. Cassidy

Secretary

Polly S. White

Court Attorney

Isaac Linbloom
Phone: 607-216-6636
Fax: 212-401-9131

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Surrogate

Hon. Maura Kennedy-Smith

Court Attorney

Jennifer Donlan-Fitzgibbon

Secretary

Stacey McNeill
Phone: 607-216-6634
Fax: 212-457-2938

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Surrogate

Hon. Scott A. Miller

Law Clerk

Diane Boyajian

Secretary

Amy Tillotson
Phone: 607-216-6441
Fax: 607-240-5725

Links

• Article 81 Guardianship Proceedings
• Surrogate’s Court Filing Fees
• Surrogate’s Court Forms
• New York State
• NYS Department of Taxation
• NYS Health Dept. of Vital Records
• The History Center in Tompkins County