Access Union Probate Court Records
Union probate court records are kept at the Broome County Surrogate's Court in Binghamton. The town of Union is the most populated municipality in Broome County and includes the villages of Endicott and Johnson City. All wills, estate filings, and guardianship matters for Union residents go through the county courthouse on Court Street. You can search these records online for free through WebSurrogate or visit the court in person during business hours.
Union Quick Facts
Broome County Surrogate's Court
All probate court records for Union go through the Broome County Surrogate's Court. The courthouse is at 92 Court Street in Binghamton, which is a short drive from most parts of Union. This court handles wills, intestate administration, guardianship, adoption, trust proceedings, and estate accountings for all of Broome County. It sits within the 6th Judicial District.
Union is the largest town in Broome County by population. The court sees a good number of filings from Union residents each year. Cases range from simple voluntary administrations for small estates to more involved matters with real property and multiple heirs. The court also has an email address for questions, which can save you a phone call or a trip to Binghamton.
| Court | Broome County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
92 Court Street Binghamton, NY 13901 |
| Phone | (607) 778-2223 |
| broomesurrogate@nycourts.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Union Probate Records
Start with WebSurrogate. This free state tool covers Broome County probate records. You can search by the name of the person who died or by file number. Add the date of death to narrow your results. The system shows case history and any documents that have been digitized.
Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 can be viewed online. For records before that date, you need to go to the courthouse in Binghamton. Public access computers are available for searching unrestricted older files. The court has physical index books and microfiche for historical records. Staff at the clerk's window can help you find what you are looking for.
Not every record is open to the public. Adoption files are sealed. Guardianship documents have restricted access. Death certificates filed with the court, papers with social security numbers, and tax returns from May 1990 to January 2001 are not available. These limits come from Section 207.64 of the Uniform Rules for Surrogate's Courts.
You can also email the court at broomesurrogate@nycourts.gov or call (607) 778-2223 to ask about a specific case. The staff can confirm whether a file exists and what you need to get copies.
Filing Fees
Filing fees for probate cases in Broome County follow the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. Fees are based on the gross value of the estate. Under $10,000 costs $45. Between $10,000 and $20,000 is $75. From $20,000 to $50,000, the fee is $215. Estates valued at $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. From $100,000 to $250,000, you pay $420. Between $250,000 and $500,000 costs $625. Over $500,000 requires $1,250.
Extra fees apply for contested cases. Objections under SCPA 1410 cost $150. A jury trial demand is $150. A note of issue is $45. Certified copies are $6 per page. Searching a record under 25 years old costs $30; older records cost $90.
Tip: Call the court at (607) 778-2223 to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting. Most courts take cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Types of Probate Cases
Probate applies when someone dies with a will. The executor files a petition and the original will with the court. The court checks the will under SCPA Article 4. Only original wills are accepted. If valid, the court issues letters testamentary so the executor can manage the estate.
Administration is for cases without a will. The court appoints an administrator. Spouses come first in the priority order, followed by children, then parents. Estates worth $50,000 or less may use voluntary administration. This is a faster and cheaper option, with fees starting at $45 for estates under $10,000.
The court also handles guardianship cases, trust proceedings, accountings, wrongful death claims, and adoptions. Adoption records are permanently sealed and cannot be accessed without a court order.
Historical Records and Genealogy
Broome County has probate records dating back to the county's formation. The New York State Archives maintains Surrogate's Court records from 1787 to 1929 on microfilm. These include will books, administration files, and estate inventories. FamilySearch catalogs many of these older collections and makes them available for family history research.
The Broome County Clerk's Office also maintains land records and a will index. If you are researching property that was part of an estate, the Clerk can help you find deeds, transfers, and other documents. The Clerk's Office is in the same area as the Surrogate's Court in downtown Binghamton.
Electronic Filing
Broome County requires mandatory e-filing for probate and administration cases with lawyer representation. The NYSCEF system is used for all electronic filings. Self-represented filers may submit papers in person at the courthouse.
NYSCEF works 24 hours a day. It sends email alerts when documents are filed or the court issues a decision. Credit cards are accepted for payment. For help, call the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 during business hours.
Union Resources
The Town of Union government website has local services. For probate matters and estate record searches, go through the Broome County Surrogate's Court in Binghamton.
Broome County Probate Records
Union is part of Broome County. All estate cases, wills, and probate filings for Union residents go through the Broome County Surrogate's Court. Visit our full Broome County page for more court details and resources.
Nearby Cities
Syracuse is the closest major city with a probate court records page.