Find Probate Court Records in Rockland County
Rockland County probate court records are maintained at the Surrogate's Court in New City, New York. The court is located at 1 South Main Street and has kept estate records since 1798. You can search for cases online through the WebSurrogate portal or visit the courthouse to view files and get copies. Rockland County is part of the 9th Judicial District, and the court handles wills, estate administration, guardianship, and other proceedings for county residents.
Rockland County Overview
Rockland County Surrogate's Court
The Surrogate's Court is the office that handles all probate court records in Rockland County. This court takes care of the probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianship proceedings, and adoption matters. It is located at 1 South Main Street in New City, the county seat. Rockland County is part of the 9th Judicial District.
Hon. Keith J. Cornell serves as the Surrogate Judge. Heather Barney, Esq. is the Chief Clerk. The court has been keeping records since 1798, giving it more than 225 years of estate files. Rockland County is one of the smaller counties by area in New York but has a dense population, which means the court handles a high volume of cases each year.
| Court | Rockland County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
1 South Main Street New City, NY 10956 |
| Phone | (845) 483-8260 |
| rocklandsurrogate@nycourts.gov | |
| Judge | Hon. Keith J. Cornell |
| Chief Clerk | Heather Barney, Esq. |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records Since | 1798 |
How to Search Rockland County Probate Court Records
There are two main ways to find probate court records in Rockland County. You can search online or go to the courthouse in New City.
WebSurrogate is the free online search tool from the state court system. It covers Rockland County. You can search by the name of the person who died and filter by date of death. The File Search option works when you know the file number. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 are viewable online. Older probate court records must be viewed at the courthouse, where public access computers show unrestricted historical documents.
At the courthouse, you can view estate indices and files during regular business hours. The staff can help you find cases and explain how to get copies. You can reach the court at (845) 483-8260 or email rocklandsurrogate@nycourts.gov with questions about specific records.
To search for records, you will need:
- Full name of the deceased person
- Approximate date of death or filing date
- File number if available
- Type of proceeding (probate, administration, small estate, guardianship)
Rockland County Probate Court Records Fees
Filing fees in Rockland County follow the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. The fee is based on the gross estate value. For estates under $10,000, it is $45. Between $10,000 and $20,000, the fee is $75. From $20,000 to $50,000, the cost is $215. Estates from $50,000 to $100,000 pay $280. Between $100,000 and $250,000, the fee is $420. Estates from $250,000 to $500,000 cost $625. For estates of $500,000 or more, the fee is $1,250.
Contested cases cost more. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 is $150. A demand for jury trial is $150. A note of issue is $45. Certified copies are $6 per page. Searching and certifying records under 25 years old costs $30, and records over 25 years cost $90.
Tip: Call (845) 483-8260 before your visit to confirm what payment methods the court accepts. Most courts take cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Types of Probate Court Records
Rockland County Surrogate's Court handles many types of estate cases. Probate is the most common. It starts when a person dies with a valid will. The executor named in the will files a petition. The court checks the will against the rules in SCPA Article 4. The original will must be filed. Copies are not accepted.
Administration proceedings happen when someone dies without a will. The court appoints an administrator based on the order set by New York law. The spouse has first priority. Then come children, parents, and siblings. Small estates worth $50,000 or less can go through voluntary administration. This path is simpler and the filing fee for estates under $10,000 is just $45.
The court also handles guardianship cases, trust matters, accountings, and wrongful death claims. Adoption cases go through the Surrogate's Court as well, but those records are sealed permanently. Estate tax returns filed between May 1990 and January 2001 are sealed too. Documents with social security numbers and death certificates filed with the court have restricted access.
Electronic Filing in Rockland County
Rockland County uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. Probate and administration cases must be e-filed when parties have an attorney. Self-represented filers have the option to submit papers in person or use the electronic system.
NYSCEF lets you file at any time from anywhere. The system sends email alerts about new filings and court decisions. You can pay fees by credit card through the system. For help with NYSCEF, call the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 during business hours.
Historical Probate Court Records
Rockland County has probate court records stretching back to 1798. That gives the court more than 225 years of estate files. These older records are a good source of information for genealogy research. They show family relationships, property owned at death, debts, and how assets were divided among heirs.
The WebSurrogate portal has an Old Index Search for historical records. You can look up old cases by file number or name. Not all records have been digitized, so some will require a trip to the courthouse. The court's index books can be viewed during business hours.
The New York State Archives in Albany also holds older Rockland County probate records on microfilm. FamilySearch has microfilm copies of some records as well, which can be ordered and viewed at local Family History Centers. These are helpful if you cannot travel to New City.
Rockland County Court Resources
The state court system maintains a directory of all 62 Surrogate's Courts. Use it to find contact details for the Rockland County court or to locate the right court for your case.
Cities and Towns in Rockland County
Rockland County has several towns and villages. All probate cases are filed at the Surrogate's Court in New City.
Other communities in Rockland County include Haverstraw, Stony Point, and Spring Valley. All estate matters go through the Rockland County Surrogate's Court at 1 South Main Street in New City.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Rockland County. You must file in the county where the person who died was living. Check their last address to be sure you file in the right place.