Overview
Bronx County is coextensive with the Borough of the Bronx and is the fifth-most-populous county in New York State. The Bronx County Surrogate's Court handles all estate matters for individuals who were domiciled in the Bronx at the time of death.
Probate in Bronx County is governed by the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA). The court processes testate proceedings (will probate), intestate administration (no will), voluntary administration for small estates under $50,000, accountings, guardianships, and contested proceedings.
NYSCEF electronic filing is available in Bronx County Surrogate's Court on a consensual basis for eligible case types. The court also has a Help Center available in English and Spanish to assist self-represented individuals.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Bronx County Surrogate's Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Bronx County Surrogate's Court
The Bronx County Surrogate's Court is located in the Bronx County Hall of Justice on the Grand Concourse.
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, 3rd Floor, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-2300
Help Center (English): (718) 618-1722
Help Center (Espanol): (718) 618-1744
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: nycourts.gov/courts/12jd/bronx/surrogates
The Help Center provides bilingual assistance for self-represented individuals on procedural questions and form completion.
Access and Transportation
The courthouse is accessible via the B, D (161st Street-Yankee Stadium), and 4 (161st Street-Yankee Stadium) subway lines. Bus routes also serve the Grand Concourse. Limited parking is available nearby.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine the Proceeding Type
- Probate Proceeding (SCPA Article 14): For estates with a valid will.
- Administration Proceeding (SCPA Article 10): For intestate estates.
- Voluntary Administration (SCPA Article 13): For personal property estates valued at $50,000 or less.
Step 2: Prepare and File the Petition
Gather required documents:
- Completed petition
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee based on estate value
- List of all distributees with addresses and relationships
File in person at the clerk's office on the 3rd floor, by mail, or through NYSCEF (consensual e-filing for eligible proceedings).
Step 3: Citation and Service
The court issues a citation that must be served on all necessary parties. Methods include personal service, certified mail, or publication in a designated newspaper. Proof of service must be filed before the return date.
Step 4: Hearing and Letters
The Surrogate reviews the petition on the return date. If approved, the court issues Letters Testamentary (testate) or Letters of Administration (intestate). Bond may be required.
Step 5: Estate Administration
The fiduciary collects assets, pays debts and taxes, files accountings or obtains releases, and distributes to beneficiaries.
Local Requirements
Bronx County-Specific Procedures
- NYSCEF e-filing is available on a consensual basis for eligible proceedings. E-filing is not permitted for guardianship matters, lifetime trusts, accounting proceedings, wrongful death compromises, or adoption proceedings.
- Working copies required: The court requires working copies of all motions, memoranda of law, and contested matter filings.
- Bilingual services: The Help Center offers assistance in English and Spanish.
- Original wills and death certificates must be submitted in hard copy.
Bond Requirements
Bond is required unless waived by the will or by consent of all distributees. For intestate estates, bond is generally required.
Right of Election
A surviving spouse may elect to take one-third of the net estate under EPTL 5-1.1-A instead of what was left under the will.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bronx County)
Filing fees per SCPA Section 2402:
- Under $10,000: $45
- $10,000 to under $20,000: $75
- $20,000 to under $50,000: $215
- $50,000 to under $100,000: $280
- $100,000 to under $250,000: $420
- $250,000 to under $500,000: $625
- $500,000 and over: $1,250
Additional costs:
- Certified copies: approximately $6 per copy
- Publication of citation: $200-$500
- Bond premium: varies
Payment Methods
Contact the court for accepted payment methods and any card processing fees.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 7-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 2 to several years
Local Resources
Bronx County Surrogate's Court Resources
- Court Website: nycourts.gov/courts/12jd/bronx/surrogates
- NYSCEF E-Filing Portal: iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef
- WebSurrogate (case search): websurrogates.nycourts.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Bronx Legal Services: (718) 928-3700 -- free legal assistance for qualifying individuals
- Legal Aid Society (Bronx): (718) 991-4600
- Bronx County Bar Association: (718) 293-5600
Publication
- New York Law Journal: Official publication for legal notices
- Bronx Times: Local newspaper for citation publication in Bronx County