IMPORTANT NOTICE
Notice: Citations in Administration Proceedings - effective 01/01/2024
All citations in Administration Proceedings, whether issued in matters before Surrogate Mella or Surrogate Gingold, will be returnable in person. Citations will be returnable at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- New Process for Filing Motions in New York County Surrogate's Court - effective 07/21/23
- New Efiling Protocol:
New York County Surrogate's Court users will no longer be able to file Miscellaneous & Accounting proceedings electronically through the NYSCEF system - effective 4/26/22 - Length of papers and word count limits - effective 6/21/21
- Counsel’s Participation in Surrogate Mella’s Courtroom Proceedings - To create opportunities for attorneys knowledgeable of the subject matter and the case and who historically have been underrepresented in Surrogate’s Court practice, courtroom participation of such attorneys is strongly encouraged. This could be achieved, for example, by giving speaking roles in court proceedings to a less senior attorney who worked on the papers submitted to the court and is knowledgeable about the case or by having such attorney argue the application before Surrogate Rita Mella.
Forms & Info
Visit Administration / Small Estates for Forms & Info, or scan this QR code:
Help Center
The Help Center is available for people who are not represented by attorneys. Information on procedure and the law, required forms and referrals are available. The hours are 9:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm Monday through Friday in Room 302. No appointments necessary – first come first served.
Staff
Surrogate
Rita Mella
Surrogate
Hilary Gingold
Chief Clerk
Diana Sanabria
Deputy Chief Clerk
Vacant
General Phone
646-386-5000
Office Info
Surrogate's Court
New York County (Manhattan)
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
Serving the estates of individuals who were domiciled in New York County (Manhattan) at the time of their death.
For estate matters of decedents having been domiciled in any other county, please contact the Surrogate's Court of that county directly.
What to Do When Someone Dies
Accessing a Deceased Person's Sealed Residence
What You Will Need & Which Offices Can Help
Direct Department Contacts
Miscellaneous Dept. / Calendar Clerk
(To file Affidavits of Service, Applications to Open Safe Deposit Boxes & Sealed Apartments)
Phone: 646-386-5001
[email protected]
Accounting Department
(Estate & Trust Accountings)
Phone: 646-386-5002
[email protected]
Guardian / Adoption Department
(Infant / 17A Applications)
Phone: 646-386-5003
[email protected]
Probate Department
(Decedents leaving a will)
Phone: 646-386-5004
[email protected]
Administration Dept. / Small Estates
(Decedents leaving no will)
Phone: 646-386-5005
[email protected]
Cashier / Certificates / Certifications
(Fees)
Phone: 646-386-5006
[email protected]
Records Search & Certifications
Phone: 646-386-5090
[email protected]
Law Department Reception Area
Phone: 646-386-5800
New York County Public Administrator
(Estates of decedents leaving unknown heirs / Police Property Vouchers)
Phone: 212-788-8430, Room 311