Richmond County Probate Court Records
Richmond County probate court records are on file at the Surrogate's Court on Staten Island, located at 18 Richmond Terrace. This court has the oldest probate records in all of New York State, with estate files dating back to 1664. You can search records online through the WebSurrogate portal or visit the courthouse in person during public search hours. Richmond County is part of the 13th Judicial District and handles all estate matters for Staten Island residents.
Richmond County Overview
Richmond County Surrogate's Court
The Surrogate's Court handles all probate court records in Richmond County. This includes probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianship cases, and adoptions. The court sits at 18 Richmond Terrace on Staten Island. Hon. Matthew J. Titone serves as the Surrogate Judge, and Ronald M. Cerrachio is the Chief Clerk.
What makes this court unique is its records. Richmond County has estate files going back to 1664. That is the earliest of any county in New York. These records predate the formation of the state itself. The Dutch colonial period left behind estate documents that are still on file here. For anyone tracing family roots on Staten Island, these old records are a remarkable resource.
Public search hours are Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. During these hours you can view unrestricted files at the courthouse. Outside of that window, you will need to contact the court to arrange access or use the online search tools.
| Court | Richmond County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
18 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301 |
| Phone | (718) 675-8500 |
| Fax | (718) 390-8741 |
| RichSurrFiling@nycourts.gov | |
| Judge | Hon. Matthew J. Titone |
| Chief Clerk | Ronald M. Cerrachio |
| Public Search Hours | Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Records Since | 1664 (earliest in New York State) |
How to Search Richmond County Probate Court Records
You can search Richmond County probate court records online or at the courthouse. The online option is quick for basic case details. Going in person lets you see the full file and get certified copies right away.
WebSurrogate is the free state search tool that covers Richmond County. You can look up cases by party name and filter by date of death. The File Search works best when you already have a file number. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 are viewable online. Older records need to be viewed at the courthouse.
In-person searches at the Richmond County Surrogate's Court are available during public search hours, which run from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays. The courthouse has public access computers where you can view unrestricted files. Staff at the court can also help you find what you need. You can reach the court at (718) 675-8500 or by email at RichSurrFiling@nycourts.gov.
The Help Center at Richmond County Surrogate's Court can be reached at (718) 675-8508 or by email at richsurhelpctr@nycourts.gov. They help people who do not have a lawyer and need guidance on how to file or search for records.
Probate Court Records Filing Fees
Fees in Richmond County follow the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. The amount 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. Estates from $20,000 to $50,000 cost $215. For $50,000 to $100,000, the fee is $280. Estates valued at $100,000 to $250,000 pay $420. From $250,000 to $500,000, it costs $625. Estates worth $500,000 or more pay $1,250.
If the will is contested, there are extra costs. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 is $150. A jury trial demand costs $150. A note of issue is $45. Certified copies run $6 per page. Searching and certifying a record under 25 years old is $30, and over 25 years is $90.
Tip: Call (718) 675-8500 to check which payment methods the court accepts before your visit. Most courts take cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Types of Probate Court Records in Richmond County
The Richmond County Surrogate's Court handles several kinds of cases. Probate proceedings start when someone dies with a valid will. The executor files a petition, and the court checks the will against the rules in SCPA Article 4. Only the original will is accepted. Copies will not work.
When there is no will, the court handles administration. It appoints an administrator based on the priority list set by state law. Spouses have first priority, then children, then parents. For small estates worth $50,000 or less, there is a voluntary administration process. It is faster and cheaper. The fee for estates under $10,000 is only $45.
Other types of cases include guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults, trust proceedings, accountings, and wrongful death actions. Adoption cases are handled here but are permanently sealed. Estate tax returns filed between May 1990 and January 2001 are also sealed. Access to guardianship documents, death certificates on file with the court, and papers with social security numbers is restricted.
Historical Probate Court Records
Richmond County holds the distinction of having the oldest probate court records in New York State. Records here go back to 1664, during the Dutch colonial period. That is more than 360 years of estate files. These records predate the English takeover of New York and the formation of the American states.
The early records cover estates from when Staten Island was part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. These files can show family ties, land ownership, debts, and personal property from a time when written records were rare. For genealogists, the Richmond County collection is one of the most valuable in the state.
The WebSurrogate portal has an Old Index Search feature for historical records. You can search by file number or name. But many of the oldest records are not yet online. The courthouse public access computers let you view older records that have been digitized. For colonial-era records, the New York State Archives in Albany also holds microfilm copies.
Electronic Filing in Richmond County
Richmond County uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. Probate and administration cases must be e-filed when parties have a lawyer. Self-represented filers can choose whether to use the electronic system or submit papers in person at the courthouse.
The NYSCEF system lets you file documents at any hour. It sends automatic email alerts about filings and court orders. Credit cards are accepted for payments. If you need help with e-filing, call the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033.
Richmond County Court Resources
The Richmond County Surrogate's Court on Staten Island processes estate filings and maintains one of the oldest record collections in the state. Use WebSurrogate online or visit during public search hours to access files.
Staten Island Communities
Richmond County covers all of Staten Island, which is one of the five boroughs of New York City. All probate cases for Staten Island residents are filed at the Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace.
Nearby Counties
These counties are close to Richmond County. Probate cases must be filed where the deceased person lived. If you are not sure which county to use, check their last address.