Search White Plains Probate Court Records
White Plains probate court records are filed at the Westchester County Surrogate's Court, which is right here in the city on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. White Plains serves as the county seat of Westchester, so the courthouse is a short trip for local residents. You can search probate records online through WebSurrogate or visit the court in person to view estate files and request certified copies. The court manages wills, administration of estates, guardianship, and other matters for the whole county.
White Plains Quick Facts
Westchester County Surrogate's Court
The Westchester County Surrogate's Court is located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in White Plains. Because White Plains is the county seat, this courthouse is right in the heart of the city's government district. The court handles all probate matters for Westchester County, which has close to one million residents across dozens of cities, towns, and villages. It is part of the 9th Judicial District.
White Plains residents have the advantage of living in the same city as the courthouse. That means you can walk in during business hours to file papers, check on a case, or pick up certified copies without a long drive. The court handles everything from simple small estate filings to large, contested probate cases involving significant real estate and financial assets.
| Court | Westchester County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd White Plains, NY 10601 |
| Phone | (914) 824-5656 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search White Plains Probate Records
The WebSurrogate portal is the best free tool for online searches. You can look up Westchester County probate cases by the name of the deceased or by file number. Add the date of death to narrow your results. The system shows file history and all documents that have been digitized.
Online access covers documents filed on or after February 19, 2014. Older records need to be viewed at the courthouse. Since the court is right in White Plains, you can stop by and use the public access computers to search unrestricted historical files. The court keeps index books and microfiche that go back many years. Staff at the clerk's desk can help you navigate the older records.
Some probate records are restricted. Adoption cases are sealed. Guardianship files have limited access. Death certificates on file with the court, documents with social security numbers, and tax returns from May 1990 through January 2001 are not available to the public. This is based on Section 207.64 of the Uniform Rules.
For genealogy work, the court's historical indices are a good starting point. Wills and estate inventories can reveal family connections, property details, and debts from past decades. The Westchester County Clerk also keeps a will index and land records that may be helpful.
Probate Filing Fees
Fees at the Westchester County Surrogate's Court match the state schedule under SCPA 2402. The amount depends on the estate's gross value. Under $10,000 costs $45. Between $10,000 and $20,000 is $75. From $20,000 to $50,000, the fee is $215. Estates from $50,000 to $100,000 cost $280. The range of $100,000 to $250,000 is $420. Between $250,000 and $500,000, you pay $625. Estates over $500,000 pay $1,250.
If the will is contested, extra fees apply. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 costs $150. A jury trial demand adds $150. A note of issue is $45. Certified copies of court documents run $6 per page. Record searches cost $30 for files under 25 years old, and $90 for older records.
Note: The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Call (914) 824-5656 to confirm before your visit.
Types of Probate Cases
Probate proceedings happen when someone dies with a will. The named executor files a petition and the original will with the court. The court reviews the will under SCPA Article 4. If everything is in order, the court issues letters testamentary.
Administration cases are for people who die without a will. The court appoints an administrator following the state's priority list: spouse first, then children, then parents. Small estates worth $50,000 or less can take advantage of voluntary administration, which is a shorter and less costly process.
The Surrogate's Court in White Plains also handles guardianship proceedings, trust matters, estate accountings, wrongful death actions, and adoptions. Adoption records remain sealed at all times.
Historical Probate Records
Westchester County has probate records going back centuries. The New York State Archives holds records from 1787 to 1929 on microfilm. These include will books, estate inventories, and administration files. FamilySearch catalogs many of these older collections for genealogy purposes.
Electronic Filing
Westchester County has mandatory e-filing for probate and administration cases when a lawyer is involved. The NYSCEF system handles all electronic submissions. Self-represented filers can choose to file at the courthouse in person.
NYSCEF is available at all hours. Email notifications go out when new documents are filed or when the court issues orders. Credit card payments work in the system. For technical support, call 646-386-3033 during business hours.
White Plains Court Resources
The City of White Plains government website offers local services. For probate records, the Westchester County Surrogate's Court at 111 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd handles all filings and searches.
Westchester County Probate Records
White Plains is part of Westchester County. All estate cases, wills, and probate filings for White Plains residents go through the Westchester County Surrogate's Court. See our full Westchester County page for more court details, historical records, and resources.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near White Plains in Westchester County and the surrounding area.