Overview

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.

Visiting Surrogate's Court

• 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

Basics of Surrogate’s Court

Accessing a Deceased Person's Sealed Residence

What You Will Need & Which Offices Can Help

Petition to Search Apartment

Direct Department Contacts