Access Schenectady Probate Court Records
Schenectady probate court records are on file at the Schenectady County Surrogate's Court on State Street in downtown Schenectady. The city is the county seat, so the courthouse is right in town. You can search estate records online through WebSurrogate or visit the court in person to view files and get copies. The Schenectady County Clerk's Office, just down the street, also keeps related land and will records that may help with your research.
Schenectady Quick Facts
Schenectady County Surrogate's Court
The Schenectady County Surrogate's Court is located at 612 State Street in downtown Schenectady. This court handles all probate matters for the county, including will probate, intestate administration, guardianship, adoption, trust proceedings, and estate accountings. It is part of the 4th Judicial District.
Since Schenectady is the county seat, the courthouse is easy to reach for city residents. The court and the County Clerk's Office sit on the same block of State Street, which makes it convenient if you need records from both offices. The Clerk's Office at 620 State Street, 3rd Floor, keeps land records and a will index that can help with estate research.
| Court | Schenectady County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
612 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305 |
| Phone | (518) 285-8455 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| County Clerk | 620 State Street, 3rd Floor - (518) 388-4220 |
How to Search Schenectady Probate Records
Use WebSurrogate to search Schenectady County probate records from your computer. You can look up cases by the name of the person who died or by file number. The Name Search works best when you have a full name and an approximate date of death. The File Search is for when you already know the case number.
Online documents go back to February 19, 2014. That is when the court started making newly filed papers available through WebSurrogate. For records older than that, you need to visit the courthouse at 612 State Street. The court has public access computers, index books, and microfiche for historical files.
The Schenectady County Clerk's Office at 620 State Street is another useful stop. They maintain a will index and related land records. If you are tracing an estate that involved real property, the Clerk's records can fill in gaps that the Surrogate's Court files may not cover. Call the Clerk at (518) 388-4220 for details on what they have.
Certain files are restricted. Adoption records are sealed. Guardianship documents, death certificates on file with the court, social security numbers, and certain tax returns are off limits to the public. These rules have been in place since 2014 under Section 207.64 of the Uniform Rules.
Probate Filing Fees in Schenectady
Fees at the Schenectady County Surrogate's Court follow the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. The cost is based on the gross value of the estate. Estates under $10,000 pay $45. From $10,000 to $20,000, the fee is $75. Between $20,000 and $50,000, it costs $215. Estates valued at $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. From $100,000 to $250,000, the fee is $420. Between $250,000 and $500,000, you pay $625. And estates over $500,000 require a $1,250 filing fee.
Contested wills bring extra costs. Objections under SCPA 1410 cost $150 to file. A jury trial demand adds $150. Filing a note of issue is $45. Certified copies cost $6 per page. Searching a record under 25 years old is $30; over 25 years is $90.
Tip: The Surrogate's Court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Call (518) 285-8455 to confirm payment methods before visiting.
Types of Probate Proceedings
When someone dies with a will, the executor files a petition for probate. The original will must be submitted. The court reviews it under SCPA Article 4 and, if valid, grants letters testamentary. The executor can then handle the estate's affairs.
If there is no will, an administration proceeding is opened. The court appoints an administrator based on New York's priority rules. The surviving spouse has first claim. Children come next, followed by parents and other relatives. Estates valued at $50,000 or less may use the voluntary administration process, which is simpler and cheaper.
The court also handles guardianship cases, trusts, accountings, wrongful death claims, and adoptions. Adoption records are permanently sealed. Other restricted records include guardianship files and any documents containing social security numbers or certain tax information.
Historical Probate Records
Schenectady County has probate records going back to the county's formation. The New York State Archives holds Surrogate's Court records from 1787 to 1929 on microfilm. These include will books, administration files, and estate inventories. FamilySearch also catalogs older Schenectady County probate records for genealogy use.
Electronic Filing in Schenectady
Schenectady County requires mandatory e-filing for probate and administration proceedings when an attorney represents a party. The NYSCEF system is the portal for all electronic submissions. If you are self-represented, you may file papers at the courthouse in person instead.
NYSCEF lets you file at any time. The system sends email alerts about new filings and court orders. Credit card payments are accepted online. For help with the system, call 646-386-3033 during business hours.
Schenectady Court Resources
The City of Schenectady website has local government information. For probate matters, filings go through the Schenectady County Surrogate's Court at 612 State Street.
Schenectady County Probate Records
Schenectady is part of Schenectady County. All estate cases, wills, and probate filings go through the Schenectady County Surrogate's Court. Visit our full Schenectady County page for more details on the court, historical records, and other resources.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Schenectady in the Capital Region. Each files probate cases through their own county court.