New York County Probate Court Records
New York County probate court records are on file at the Surrogate's Court in Lower Manhattan. The court at 31 Chambers Street handles estate matters for anyone who lived in Manhattan at the time of death. You can search these records online through WebSurrogate or visit the courthouse in person. New York County has one of the oldest and largest collections of probate records in the state, with estate files dating back to the colonial era. The court is part of the 1st Judicial District and processes thousands of cases each year.
New York County Overview
New York County Surrogate's Court
The Surrogate's Court at 31 Chambers Street is the main court for probate court records in Manhattan. This is where wills are proved, estates are administered, guardianships are granted, and adoptions are processed. The building sits in Lower Manhattan near City Hall and the Municipal Building, close to subway lines and other courts.
New York County is one of the original twelve counties formed in 1683. The court has some of the oldest estate records in the state. Before 1787, when the Surrogate's Court system was set up, wills and estate matters were handled differently. Colonial-era records that survive are held at various archives. Since 1787, the Surrogate's Court has kept a continuous record of all estate filings in the county.
Manhattan's Surrogate's Court is one of the busiest in the state. The high population and large number of estates with significant value mean a heavy caseload. The court has a well-staffed clerk's office to help with filings and record requests. E-filing through NYSCEF is mandatory for cases with attorney representation.
| Court | New York County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
31 Chambers Street New York, NY 10007 |
| Phone | (646) 386-5900 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nycourts.gov - New York County Surrogate's Court |
How to Search Probate Court Records in New York County
The fastest way to search New York County probate court records is through WebSurrogate. This free tool lets you look up cases by name, file number, or date of death. You can view documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 right on screen. For older files, you need to visit the courthouse.
At the courthouse, public access terminals let you search the court's index and view unrestricted files. The records room has staff who can point you in the right direction, but they cannot provide legal guidance. Bring as much detail as you can about the person whose estate you want to find. The full name and date of death are the most useful pieces of info.
Manhattan has unique considerations for historical research. The NYC Municipal Archives holds vital records and some older estate-related documents. Colonial-era wills from before 1787 may be at the New York State Archives or the New York Historical Society. For records from 1787 forward, the Surrogate's Court is your main source.
Items to have when you search:
- Full legal name of the deceased
- Date of death or approximate year of death
- File number or docket number if available
- Type of proceeding you are looking for
New York County Probate Court Records Fees
All filing fees follow the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. The fee depends on the gross value of the estate. Estates under $10,000 cost $45 to file. From $10,000 to $20,000, it is $75. Between $20,000 and $50,000, the fee is $215. Estates from $50,000 to $100,000 cost $280. The fee for $100,000 to $250,000 is $420. From $250,000 to $500,000, it costs $625. Estates of $500,000 or more require $1,250.
Given Manhattan's high property values, most estates here fall in the upper fee brackets. Contested cases add more cost. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 costs $150. A demand for a jury trial is $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 files.
Note: Fees can be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Call (646) 386-5900 to confirm payment methods before your visit.
Types of Probate Court Records
The Surrogate's Court in New York County handles probate when someone dies with a will. The executor named in the will files a petition, and the court verifies it meets the rules under SCPA Article 4. The original will must be filed. Copies are not accepted in most cases.
When there is no will, the court handles administration proceedings. An administrator gets appointed based on the priority order in state law. Spouses come first. Then children. Then parents. Small estates valued at $50,000 or less can use voluntary administration, which is a simpler path with lower fees.
The court also manages guardianship cases, trust proceedings, accountings, and wrongful death actions. Adoption proceedings go through here, but those records are permanently sealed. Access to guardianship documents, death certificates filed with the court, and papers with Social Security numbers is restricted under rules that took effect in February 2014.
Historical Probate Court Records
New York County has one of the deepest collections of probate court records in the entire state. Estate records go back centuries here. The Surrogate's Court has maintained files since 1787, but earlier colonial records also exist in various archives.
The New York State Archives holds colonial wills from before 1787 and probate records on microfilm from 1787 to 1929. FamilySearch has digitized many of these records and made them browsable online. The NYC Municipal Archives at 31 Chambers Street (same building, lower floors) holds additional historical vital records and estate-related documents for Manhattan.
For genealogists, these records show family ties, property holdings, debts, and more. The indexed collections make it possible to track specific families through generations. The Old Index Search on WebSurrogate can help locate historical files by name or file number, though not all old records are digitized yet.
Electronic Filing in New York County
E-filing is mandatory in New York County for probate and administration cases when parties have an attorney. The NYSCEF system handles all electronic filings. Self-represented parties can choose to use NYSCEF or file in person at the courthouse.
The system is available 24 hours a day. You can file papers, pay fees by credit card, and get email notifications about case activity. For technical help with the system, contact the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 during business hours.
New York County Records Search
The WebSurrogate portal provides free online access to search probate court records across all New York counties, including New York County (Manhattan).
Cities in New York County
New York County is coterminous with the Borough of Manhattan in New York City. All probate cases for Manhattan residents go through the New York County Surrogate's Court at 31 Chambers Street.
Manhattan is one of five boroughs that make up New York City. Each borough has its own Surrogate's Court. Cases must be filed in the county where the deceased person lived.
Nearby Counties
New York County borders several other counties. Check where the deceased person lived to make sure you file in the right place.