Overview
Suffolk County is the easternmost county on Long Island and the fourth-most-populous county in New York State. The Suffolk County Surrogate's Court in Riverhead handles all estate matters for individuals domiciled in the county at the time of death, including probate of wills, administration of intestate estates, guardianships, and accountings.
Probate in Suffolk County follows the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA), the same statewide law governing all Surrogate's Courts in New York. The court handles testate proceedings, intestate administration, and voluntary administration for small estates under $50,000. Suffolk County estates often involve residential real property, and the county's location on Long Island means some estates may also involve waterfront property or vacation homes.
NYSCEF electronic filing is available in Suffolk County on a consensual basis for eligible proceedings. The court also accepts filings in person and by mail.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify requirements with the Suffolk County Surrogate's Court or a qualified attorney.
Courthouse Information
Suffolk County Surrogate's Court
The Suffolk County Surrogate's Court is located in the county seat of Riverhead.
Address: 320 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852-1746
Department Numbers:
- Probate: (631) 852-1725
- Administration: (631) 852-1714
- Guardianship: (631) 852-1735
- Accounting: (631) 852-1720
- Cashier: (631) 852-1730
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: nycourts.gov/courts/10jd/suffolk/surrogates
Parking and Access
Free parking is available at the courthouse complex in Riverhead. The courthouse is not directly served by public transit; most visitors arrive by car. Plan for security screening at the entrance.
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 for probate or administration
- Original will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee based on estate value
- List of all distributees with current addresses
File in person at the clerk's office, by mail, or through NYSCEF (consensual e-filing).
Step 3: Citation and Service
The court issues a citation after the petition is filed. All necessary parties must be served:
- Personal service for New York parties
- Certified mail for out-of-state parties
- Publication if a party cannot be located
File proof of service with the court before the return date.
Step 4: Hearing and Issuance of Letters
The Surrogate reviews the petition on the return date. If approved, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration are issued. Bond may be required.
Step 5: Administration
The fiduciary collects assets, pays debts and taxes, files accountings or obtains releases, and distributes to beneficiaries.
Local Requirements
Suffolk County-Specific Procedures
- NYSCEF e-filing is available on a consensual basis for eligible proceedings. The court also accepts in-person and mailed filings.
- Real property: Suffolk County estates frequently involve residential real property. The fiduciary may need to obtain a tax lien search and coordinate with the Suffolk County Clerk for deed transfers.
- Multiple court locations: While the Surrogate's Court is in Riverhead, some Suffolk County residents may be closer to other court facilities. All Surrogate's Court filings must be made in Riverhead.
Bond Requirements
Bond is required unless waived by the will or by consent of all distributees. The amount is based on the value of personal property in the estate.
Publication Requirements
If service by publication is ordered, the court designates the newspaper. Common publications for Suffolk County include local newspapers such as the Suffolk Times, Newsday, and the Long Island Press.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Suffolk 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 fees: $150-$400 depending on the newspaper
- Bond premium: varies
Payment Methods
Contact the cashier's office at (631) 852-1730 for accepted payment methods.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 7-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to several years
Local Resources
Suffolk County Surrogate's Court Resources
- Court Website: nycourts.gov/courts/10jd/suffolk/surrogates
- NYSCEF E-Filing Portal: iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef
- WebSurrogate (case search): websurrogates.nycourts.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Suffolk County Legal Aid Society: (631) 853-8834
- Nassau Suffolk Law Services: (631) 232-2400
- Suffolk County Bar Association Lawyer Referral: (631) 234-5511
Publication
- Suffolk Times: Local newspaper used for legal notices in eastern Suffolk
- Newsday: Regional newspaper covering Long Island