Sullivan County Probate Court Records Search
Sullivan County probate court records are on file at the Surrogate's Court at 414 Broadway in Monticello, New York. The court has kept estate records since 1809. You can search for cases online through the WebSurrogate portal or visit the courthouse in person to view files and get copies. Sullivan County is part of the 3rd Judicial District and handles all wills, estate administration, guardianship matters, and related proceedings for county residents.
Sullivan County Overview
Sullivan County Surrogate's Court
The Surrogate's Court handles all probate court records in Sullivan County. This court manages the probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianship proceedings, and adoption cases. It is located at 414 Broadway in Monticello, the county seat. Sullivan County is part of the 3rd Judicial District, which also includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, and Ulster counties.
The court has records going back to 1809, the year the county was established. Sullivan County is in the Catskill Mountains region of New York, northwest of New York City. The area has a mix of year-round residents and seasonal property owners, which can create estate situations where the decedent's domicile needs to be carefully determined. If someone owned a vacation home in Sullivan County but lived elsewhere, the estate would typically be filed in the county where they lived full time.
| Court | Sullivan County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
414 Broadway Monticello, NY 12701 |
| Phone | (845) 791-3640 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records Since | 1809 |
How to Search Sullivan County Probate Court Records
There are two ways to find probate court records in Sullivan County. You can search online or go to the courthouse in Monticello.
WebSurrogate is the free state portal that covers Sullivan County. You can search by party name and narrow by date of death. The File Search works when you have a case number. Documents filed on or after February 19, 2014 are viewable online. For older probate court records, you will need to visit the courthouse, where public access computers show unrestricted historical files.
At the courthouse, you can view estate indices and case files during business hours. Call (845) 791-3640 before your visit if you have questions about a specific record or need to know what copies cost. The court staff can check if a file is available and let you know what to bring.
When searching, have this information ready:
- Full name of the deceased person
- Approximate date of death or filing date
- File number if you know it
- Type of proceeding (probate, administration, voluntary administration)
Sullivan County Probate Court Records Fees
Fees in Sullivan County follow the statewide schedule set by SCPA 2402. The amount is based on the estate's gross value. 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. 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.
Extra costs come with contested cases. Filing objections under SCPA 1410 is $150. A jury trial demand costs $150. A note of issue runs $45. Certified copies are $6 per page. Searching and certifying a record under 25 years old costs $30, while records over 25 years cost $90.
Tip: Call (845) 791-3640 before your visit to check on accepted payment methods. Most courts accept cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards.
Types of Probate Court Records
Sullivan County Surrogate's Court handles several kinds of estate matters. Probate cases happen when a person dies with a valid will. The executor files a petition and the original will. The court checks it against SCPA Article 4. Only original wills are accepted. Copies will not work.
Administration is the process for estates where there is no will. The court appoints an administrator based on priority under New York law. Spouses have first priority. Children come next, then parents. Small estates worth $50,000 or less can use voluntary administration. This is a faster path with lower fees that works well for modest estates.
The court also handles guardianship for minors and incapacitated adults, trust proceedings, estate accountings, and wrongful death actions. Adoption cases go through the Surrogate's Court but are permanently sealed. Estate tax returns from May 1990 through January 2001 are sealed. Documents with social security numbers, death certificates, and guardianship files have restricted access.
Electronic Filing in Sullivan County
Sullivan County uses the NYSCEF system for electronic filing. Probate and administration cases must be e-filed when parties are represented by an attorney. Self-represented parties can file in person at the courthouse or use the electronic system.
NYSCEF works around the clock and sends email alerts about filings and court decisions. Credit card payments are accepted. For technical help with the system, call the Electronic Filing Resource Center at 646-386-3033 during business hours.
Historical Probate Court Records
Sullivan County has estate records stretching back to 1809. Before the county was formed, estate matters for this area were handled by Ulster County. If you are looking for records from before 1809, check with the Ulster County Surrogate's Court.
The WebSurrogate portal has an Old Index Search for historical cases. You can look up records by file number or name. Not all old records are available online yet. Some will need a visit to the courthouse in Monticello. The New York State Archives in Albany holds microfilm copies of older probate records from across the state, including Sullivan County. FamilySearch also has some records on microfilm.
Sullivan County's location in the Catskills means its records can be useful for tracing families who lived in this mountainous area during the 1800s. The county's early settlers came from New England and the Hudson Valley, and their estate records tell the story of how land and property moved through these families over time.
Sullivan County Court Resources
The New York State court system provides multiple ways to access court records. Use WebSurrogate for Surrogate's Court files or contact the Sullivan County court directly for help.
Communities in Sullivan County
Sullivan County has no large cities. Communities include Monticello, Liberty, Fallsburg, and Thompson. All probate cases are filed at the Surrogate's Court at 414 Broadway in Monticello.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Sullivan County. You must file probate cases where the deceased person lived at the time of death. Check the last address to find the right court.