Access Yonkers Probate Court Records

Yonkers probate court records are filed at the Westchester County Surrogate's Court in White Plains. Yonkers is the most populated city in Westchester County and the fourth largest city in New York State. All estate cases for Yonkers residents go through the county Surrogate's Court, which is about 10 miles north of Yonkers in the county seat of White Plains. You can search these probate court records online through the free WebSurrogate portal.

Westchester County Surrogate's Court

The Westchester County Surrogate's Court handles all probate court records for Yonkers residents. The court sits on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in White Plains. It processes wills, estate administration, guardianship cases, and trust matters for the entire county. Westchester is part of the 9th Judicial District.

Under SCPA 205, the Surrogate's Court has exclusive jurisdiction over estate cases based on where the deceased lived. If they lived in Yonkers, you file in Westchester County. Yonkers borders the Bronx, so some people get confused about which county to use. But the city of Yonkers is entirely in Westchester County, and all its probate filings go to White Plains.

How to Search Yonkers Probate Court Records

The WebSurrogate portal is the fastest way to search. Select Westchester County. Enter the name of the deceased. Results show case numbers, dates, and case types. Documents filed after February 2014 are viewable online. For anything older, you must visit the courthouse in White Plains.

At the court, you can use public access terminals to search the full index of estate cases. Ask the clerk for help if you need it. Certified copies are $6 per page. A search and certification is $30 for records under 25 years old or $90 for records older than that. Bring a photo ID and the name and approximate date of death for the person you are looking up.

Westchester County has a long probate history. Records go back more than a century. For genealogy research, older records may be available on microfilm or through the county archives. The court staff can point you in the right direction.

Probate Filing Fees for Yonkers Residents

Fees follow the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. Small estates under $10,000 cost $45 to file. From $10,000 to $20,000, the fee is $75. Estates from $20,000 to $50,000 pay $215. Between $50,000 and $100,000, it is $280. Estates worth $100,000 to $250,000 pay $420. The fee is $625 for estates from $250,000 to $500,000. Estates over $500,000 pay $1,250.

Objections to a will cost $150 to file under SCPA 1410. A jury demand is another $150. Notes of issue are $45. Cash, check, and money order are accepted for payment.

How Probate Works for Yonkers Residents

If a Yonkers resident dies with a will, the named executor files a probate petition at the Westchester County Surrogate's Court. The original will and a death certificate must be submitted. The court reviews the will under SCPA Article 14. Once admitted, the court issues letters testamentary giving the executor legal authority over the estate.

When there is no will, someone petitions for letters of administration. The surviving spouse gets first priority under SCPA 1001. Children are next in line. The administrator usually needs to post a surety bond. For small estates worth $50,000 or less, the voluntary administration process under SCPA Article 13 is an option. It is simpler and costs less.

Yonkers has a diverse population and a high number of estates go through probate here each year. The court handles everything from small family estates to more involved cases. Guardianship, trust, and accounting cases are part of the court's regular work too.

Electronic Filing

Westchester County Surrogate's Court uses NYSCEF for electronic filing. Attorneys must e-file probate and administration cases. People without lawyers can file in person or choose to use the online system. NYSCEF operates around the clock. It sends email alerts when new documents are filed or when the court issues a decision. Credit card payments are accepted.

Westchester County Probate Court Records

For complete details about the Westchester County Surrogate's Court, see the county page.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Yonkers. Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains, and Greenburgh are all in Westchester County and file at the same court. New York City is just south across the county line.