Schenectady County Probate Court Records
Schenectady County probate court records are held at the Surrogate's Court at 612 State Street in Schenectady, New York. The court has estate files going back to 1809. You can search records online through the free WebSurrogate portal or visit the courthouse in person to view files and get copies. Schenectady County is part of the 3rd Judicial District, and the court handles wills, estate administration, guardianship, and related matters for all county residents.
Schenectady County Overview
Schenectady County Surrogate's Court
The Surrogate's Court is where all probate court records are kept in Schenectady County. This court handles the probate of wills, administration of estates, guardianship cases, and adoptions. It is located at 612 State Street in the city of Schenectady, which is the county seat. The court falls within the 3rd Judicial District, along with Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.
Hon. Vincent W. Versaci serves as the Surrogate Judge. The court has records dating back to 1809, when Schenectady County was established as a separate county from Albany County. Before that, estate matters for this area were handled in Albany. The court is a busy office that serves the city of Schenectady and surrounding towns like Niskayuna, Rotterdam, and Glenville.
| Court | Schenectady County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
612 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305 |
| Phone | (518) 285-8455 |
| Judge | Hon. Vincent W. Versaci |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records Since | 1809 |
How to Search Schenectady County Probate Court Records
You can search Schenectady County probate court records online or at the courthouse. The online option is faster for basic case information. Going in person gives you access to the full file.
WebSurrogate is the state's free search portal. It covers Schenectady County. You can look up cases by the name of the person who died, and narrow results by date of death. The File Search feature works when you know the case number. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 can be viewed online. Older records need to be viewed at the courthouse, where public access computers show unrestricted historical files.
At the courthouse on State Street, you can view the estate index and case files during regular business hours. Call (518) 285-8455 if you have questions about a specific case or need to know what steps to take for getting copies. The court staff can walk you through the process.
To search records, you should have:
- The full name of the person who died
- An approximate date of death or filing date
- A file or docket number if you have one
- The type of case you are looking for
Schenectady County Probate Court Records Fees
Filing fees in Schenectady County match the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. The fee depends 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. For estates from $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, the cost is $625. Estates of $500,000 or more pay $1,250.
If the will is contested, extra fees apply. 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. Searching and certifying a record under 25 years old is $30. For records over 25 years, it costs $90.
Tip: Call (518) 285-8455 to check which payment methods the court accepts before visiting. Most courts take cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Types of Probate Court Records
The Schenectady County Surrogate's Court handles several kinds of estate cases. Probate cases happen when someone dies with a valid will. The executor named in the will files a petition, and the court checks the will against the rules in SCPA Article 4. The original will must be submitted. The court does not accept copies.
Administration cases are for people who die without a will. The court appoints an administrator based on the priority set by state law. Spouses come first. Then children, then parents, then siblings. For small estates worth $50,000 or less, the voluntary administration process is available. It is simpler and costs less than full administration.
Other case types include guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults, trust proceedings, estate accountings, and wrongful death claims. Adoption cases are filed here but are permanently sealed. Estate tax returns from May 1990 through January 2001 are sealed. Access to guardianship files, death certificates on file, and papers with social security numbers is restricted.
Electronic Filing in Schenectady County
Schenectady County uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. Attorney-represented cases in probate and administration must use e-filing. Self-represented parties can choose to file in person at the courthouse or use the electronic system.
NYSCEF is available at all hours. It sends email alerts when filings are made or court orders are issued. Credit card payments work through the system. If you need help with e-filing, the Electronic Filing Resource Center can be reached at 646-386-3033.
Historical Probate Court Records in Schenectady County
Schenectady County has estate records going back to 1809. Before the county was formed, estate matters for this area were handled by Albany County. If you are looking for records from before 1809, check with the Albany County Surrogate's Court.
The WebSurrogate portal has an Old Index Search feature for historical records. You can search by file number or file name and view images of available records. Not all old records have been digitized, so some may require a trip to the courthouse. The court's index books are open for public viewing during business hours.
The New York State Archives in Albany holds microfilm copies of older probate records from across the state, including Schenectady County. FamilySearch also has some records available on microfilm that can be viewed at Family History Centers.
Schenectady County Court Resources
The Schenectady County Clerk's Office works alongside the Surrogate's Court to maintain land records and other documents related to estate matters.
Cities in Schenectady County
Schenectady County has one main city and several towns. All probate cases are filed at the Surrogate's Court on State Street.
Other communities in the county include Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Glenville, and Duanesburg. All estate matters go through the Schenectady County Surrogate's Court at 612 State Street.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Schenectady County. Probate cases must be filed where the deceased person was living. Check their last address to make sure you file in the right place.