Steuben County Probate Court Records

Steuben County probate court records are maintained at the Surrogate's Court in Bath, New York. The court is located at 3 East Pulteney Square and has estate records going back to 1796. You can search for cases online through the WebSurrogate portal or visit the courthouse in person to view files and get copies. Steuben County is part of the 7th Judicial District and handles all estate matters for county residents.

Steuben County Surrogate's Court

The Surrogate's Court is where all probate court records are kept in Steuben County. This court handles the probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianship cases, and adoptions. It is at 3 East Pulteney Square in Bath, which is the county seat. Steuben County is part of the 7th Judicial District, covering the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes area.

The court has records going back to 1796. That gives it more than 225 years of estate files. Steuben County is a large, mostly rural county in the southwestern part of the state. It covers about 1,400 square miles. The cities of Corning and Hornell are in Steuben County, along with many smaller towns and villages. All estate cases from across the county are filed at the courthouse in Bath.

How to Search Steuben County Probate Court Records

There are two ways to search for probate court records in Steuben County. You can use the free online search tool or go to the courthouse in Bath.

WebSurrogate covers Steuben County. Search by the name of the person who died and filter by date of death. The File Search works when you already have a case number. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 are viewable online. Older records need to be viewed at the courthouse, where public access computers show unrestricted historical files.

At the courthouse, estate indices and case files can be viewed during business hours. The staff can help you find records and walk you through the process for getting copies. Since Steuben County is a large, spread-out county, it makes sense to call (607) 622-8221 before driving to Bath. The court can confirm whether the record you need is on file.

To search records, you should have:

• Full name of the deceased person
• Approximate date of death or filing date
• File number if you have one
• Type of case you are looking for

Steuben County Probate Court Records Fees

Steuben County fees match the statewide schedule under SCPA 2402. The fee is based on the estate's gross value. Estates under $10,000 pay $45. Between $10,000 and $20,000, it costs $75. From $20,000 to $50,000, the fee is $215. Estates from $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 cost more. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 is $150. A jury trial demand is $150. A note of issue costs $45. Certified copies are $6 per page. Searching and certifying a record under 25 years old is $30. For records over 25 years, the fee is $90.

Types of Probate Court Records

Steuben County Surrogate's Court handles several types of estate cases. Probate is the most common. When someone 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 apply when a person dies without a will. The court appoints an administrator based on the order set by state law. Spouses come first. Then children, parents, and siblings. Estates worth $50,000 or less can use voluntary administration. This streamlined option is cheaper and faster than full administration.

Other case types include guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults, trust proceedings, estate accountings, and wrongful death claims. Adoption records are permanently sealed. Estate tax returns filed between May 1990 and January 2001 are sealed too. Guardianship files, death certificates on file with the court, and documents containing social security numbers have restricted access.

Electronic Filing in Steuben County

Steuben County uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. Probate and administration cases with attorney representation must be e-filed. Self-represented filers can choose to submit papers in person or through the electronic system.

NYSCEF is available around the clock. It sends email alerts when filings are made or court decisions are issued. Credit card payments are accepted. For help, contact the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033.

Historical Probate Court Records

Steuben County has estate records stretching back to 1796. These records predate the county's official formation and are among the older collections in the western part of the state. The historical files are valuable for genealogy research. They can show who lived in the area, what property they owned, and how it was passed on to the next generation.

The WebSurrogate portal offers an Old Index Search for historical cases. You can search by file number or name. Some older records may not be digitized and will require a trip to the courthouse. The New York State Archives in Albany holds microfilm copies of many older probate records from across the state. FamilySearch has some Steuben County records on microfilm as well.

Steuben County Court Resources

Filing fees for Steuben County probate court records follow the statewide schedule. The fee depends on the value of the estate being filed.

Communities in Steuben County

Steuben County has several cities and towns. Communities include Corning, Hornell, Bath, Hammondsport, and Painted Post. All probate cases are filed at the Surrogate's Court at 3 East Pulteney Square in Bath.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Steuben County. You must file probate cases in the county where the person who died was living at the time of death.