Overview
Richmond County is coextensive with the Borough of Staten Island, the least populated of New York City's five boroughs. The Richmond County Surrogate's Court handles all estate matters for individuals who were domiciled in Staten Island at the time of death, including probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianships, and accountings.
Probate in Richmond County is governed by the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA). The court handles testate proceedings, intestate administration, and voluntary administration for small estates under $50,000. As a smaller borough, Richmond County Surrogate's Court generally has shorter processing times compared to other NYC Surrogate's Courts.
Richmond County Surrogate's Court participates in the NYSCEF electronic filing system. The court also has a Help Center to assist families with estate matters, including obtaining permission to enter a sealed residence and answering procedural questions.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current requirements with the Richmond County Surrogate's Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Richmond County Surrogate's Court
The Richmond County Surrogate's Court is located in the Richmond County Courthouse near the St. George Ferry Terminal.
Address: 18 Richmond Terrace, Room 201, Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675-8500
Help Center: (718) 675-8508 or richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: nycourts.gov/courts/13jd/surrogates
The Help Center assists families with procedural questions, permission to enter sealed residences, and information about estate administration.
Access and Transportation
The courthouse is near the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St. George. It is accessible via the Staten Island Ferry (free) from Manhattan and by SIR (Staten Island Railway). Limited street 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
File through NYSCEF or in person at Room 201.
Step 3: Citation and Service
The court issues a citation. Citations should be submitted electronically through NYSCEF; the court completes and uploads the finalized citation. Serve all necessary parties and file proof of service.
Step 4: Hearing and Letters
The Surrogate reviews the petition on the return date. If no objections are filed, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are issued.
Step 5: Administration and Closing
The fiduciary collects assets, pays debts and taxes, files accountings or obtains releases, and distributes to beneficiaries.
Local Requirements
Richmond County-Specific Procedures
- NYSCEF e-filing is available for Richmond County Surrogate's Court. Citations should be submitted electronically through NYSCEF; the court completes and uploads finalized versions.
- Sealed residence access: The Help Center can assist with obtaining court permission to enter a deceased person's sealed residence, which is sometimes needed before letters are issued.
- Original wills and death certificates must be submitted in hard copy.
- Staten Island real property: Estates with real property in Staten Island require coordination with the Richmond County Clerk for deed transfers.
Bond Requirements
Bond is required unless waived by the will or by consent of all distributees.
Right of Election
A surviving spouse may exercise the right of election under EPTL 5-1.1-A to claim one-third of the net estate.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Richmond 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-$400
- Bond premium: varies
Payment Methods
Contact the court at (718) 675-8500 for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-10 months
- Average estates: 10-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
Richmond County's smaller filing volume generally allows for shorter processing times compared to other NYC Surrogate's Courts.
Local Resources
Richmond County Surrogate's Court Resources
- Court Website: nycourts.gov/courts/13jd/surrogates
- NYSCEF E-Filing Portal: iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef
- WebSurrogate (case search): websurrogates.nycourts.gov
- Help Center: (718) 675-8508 or richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Legal Aid Society (Staten Island): (718) 233-6480
- Richmond County Bar Association: (718) 442-4500
- New York City Bar Association Referral Service: (212) 626-7373
Publication
- Staten Island Advance: Primary newspaper for legal notices in Richmond County
- New York Law Journal: Official law publication for legal notices