Broome County Probate Court Records Search

Broome County probate court records are stored at the Surrogate's Court in the Broome County Courthouse at 92 Court Street in Binghamton. You can search these records for free through the WebSurrogate portal or go to the courthouse during business hours. The court has kept estate files since 1806 when Broome County was formed from Tioga County. Staff can be reached by phone or email to answer your questions about filings and searches.

Broome County Surrogate's Court

The Surrogate's Court is where all probate court records are filed and kept in Broome County. This court handles the probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianship proceedings, and adoption matters. It sits at 92 Court Street in downtown Binghamton, close to other county offices. The court is part of the 6th Judicial District, which also includes Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

Broome County was formed in 1806 from Tioga County. The probate records here date back to that year, giving researchers more than two centuries of estate files to work with. The court accepts mandatory e-filing for probate and administration cases through the NYSCEF system. You can also reach the court by email at broomesurrogate@nycourts.gov for questions about procedures and filings.

How to Search Broome County Probate Court Records

You can look up Broome County probate court records online or in person. The online portal is good for quick lookups. In-person visits give you full access to case files and certified copies.

WebSurrogate is the free statewide tool for searching Surrogate's Court records. Pick Broome County from the court menu and search by party name or file number. You can filter by date of death to narrow your results. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 can be viewed and downloaded online. For older probate court records, you need to go to the courthouse. The court has public access terminals where you can view unrestricted documents from before that date.

The Broome County Clerk at 44 Hawley Street in Binghamton keeps related land records and a Will Index. You can search for wills by selecting "will" under document description in their system. The Clerk's phone is (607) 778-2100. Their land records often come up in estate matters, since deeds and mortgages may need to be tracked as part of the probate process.

The Old Index Search on WebSurrogate is good for finding estate files from the 1800s and early 1900s. Index Book Pages let you browse the original record books. These tools make it possible to trace families in the Binghamton area back to the county's founding.

Broome County Probate Court Records Fees

Filing fees for probate court records in Broome County follow the statewide fee schedule under SCPA 2402. The fee 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 worth $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. The fee for $100,000 to $250,000 is $420. Estates from $250,000 to $500,000 cost $625. Estates of $500,000 or more pay $1,250.

Contested cases bring extra costs. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 is $150. A jury trial demand costs $150. A note of issue is $45. Certified copies are $6 per page. Record searches cost $30 for files under 25 years old, and $90 for older records. A transcript of a decree is $20. If you need authentication for use outside New York, add $20.

Types of Probate Court Records in Broome County

Broome County Surrogate's Court handles several types of cases. Probate proceedings occur when someone dies with a valid will. The executor files a petition, and the court checks the will under SCPA Article 4. The original will is required. The court sends a citation to all interested parties, and if no one objects, the court admits the will to probate and issues letters testamentary.

Administration proceedings apply when there is no will. The court picks an administrator based on the legal priority. Spouses get first consideration. Then children, parents, and other relatives. Small estates valued at $50,000 or less can use voluntary administration under SCPA 1301. This process is simpler and costs less. You can get the forms at the courthouse or ask the court to mail them to you.

The court also handles guardianship proceedings for minors and incapacitated adults, trust matters, accountings, and wrongful death claims. Adoption records are sealed and need a court order to open. Documents with social security numbers, death certificates filed with the court, tax returns, and guardianship files are restricted. Estate tax returns filed between May 1990 and January 2001 are also sealed.

Historical Probate Court Records in Broome County

Broome County has probate court records going back to 1806. The FamilySearch catalog shows wills from 1806 to 1917, letters of administration from 1806 to 1915, and estate papers from 1806 to 1900. These are on microfilm and can be viewed at Family History Centers worldwide. The records include details about Binghamton area families, their property, debts, and relationships.

Researchers doing genealogy work in Broome County should also check the County Clerk's land records. Deeds and mortgages often turn up in estate matters, and the Clerk's Will Index is another way to track down wills that may have been recorded as part of land transfers. The Clerk's Office is at 44 Hawley Street, 1st Floor, and can be reached at (607) 778-2100.

Unrestricted documents from before February 2014 can be viewed on public access computers at the courthouse. Privacy rules under Uniform Rule 207.64 restrict access to documents with personal information like social security numbers. When you file new documents, you must redact this kind of information yourself before you hand them in.

Electronic Filing in Broome County

Broome County requires mandatory e-filing for probate and administration cases when represented by counsel. The NYSCEF system manages all electronic submissions. Self-represented parties can file in person or choose to use NYSCEF. The system accepts credit card payments and sends automatic email notifications about filings and court actions.

For help with electronic filing, contact the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 or email nyscef@nycourts.gov. They are available from 8 AM to 6 PM on business days. E-filing saves time and lets you submit documents from home without going to the courthouse.

Cities in Broome County

Broome County has several cities and towns. All of them file probate cases at the Broome County Surrogate's Court in Binghamton.

Other communities in Broome County include Binghamton, Vestal, Endicott, and Johnson City. Every estate case goes through the Surrogate's Court at 92 Court Street.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Broome County. You must file in the county where the deceased person lived. Check the address to be sure you pick the right court.