Staten Island families are often the most surprised to learn how probate works — the borough feels a world away from the courthouses of Manhattan, but the process is the same, handled right in St. George at the Richmond County Surrogate's Court. If you've lost a loved one who lived on the Island, here's your roadmap.
This guide covers how probate works at the Staten Island Surrogate's Court in 2026: the location, the steps, the fees, and the timeline.
Where Is the Staten Island Surrogate's Court?
The Richmond County Surrogate's Court is located at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, in St. George near the Staten Island Ferry terminal. It handles all probate, administration, and guardianship matters for people who were residents of Staten Island at the time of death.
As in every county, the court is set by the decedent's residence — not where they died or where their assets sit.
Probate or Administration?
- Probate — there is a valid will; the named executor asks the court to admit it and issue Letters Testamentary.
- Administration — there is no will; a close relative petitions to become administrator and receive Letters of Administration.
See the difference in our guide on executor vs. administrator in New York.
Filing Probate in Richmond County: Step by Step
Step 1: Gather the Original Will and Death Certificate
You'll need the original will and several certified copies of the death certificate.
Step 2: File the Petition for Probate
The Petition for Probate names the decedent, the proposed executor, the beneficiaries, and all distributees. Richmond County participates in NYSCEF for electronic filing, though the original will must be delivered to the court.
Step 3: Cite the Distributees
All distributees must receive formal notice by citation. Signed waivers keep the case moving; objections or missing heirs slow it down.
Step 4: The Court Issues Letters Testamentary
Once the will is admitted and notice is complete, the executor receives Letters Testamentary. See our explainer on Letters Testamentary in New York.
Step 5: Administer and Distribute the Estate
The executor collects assets, pays debts and taxes, files any required accounting, and distributes what remains. See our step-by-step New York probate guide.
Staten Island Probate Filing Fees
SCPA 2402 filing fees are identical statewide, based on estate value:
- Under $10,000 — $45
- $10,000 to $20,000 — $75
- $20,000 to $50,000 — $215
- $50,000 to $100,000 — $280
- $100,000 to $250,000 — $625
- $250,000 to $500,000 — $625
- $500,000 and over — $1,250
Attorney fees, executor commissions under SCPA 2307, and appraisals are separate. See our probate cost guide.
Staten Island tip: The Island has the city's highest rate of single-family homeownership, so most estates here revolve around a house. If it was owned solely by the decedent, it will need probate — but if it was jointly owned or held in a trust, it may pass automatically. Confirm the title first.
How Long Does Probate Take on Staten Island?
Richmond County is the smallest of the five boroughs' Surrogate's Courts, and uncontested cases sometimes move a little faster than in the larger boroughs — often 9 to 15 months. Contests, minors, or missing heirs still add time.
Small Estates on Staten Island
If the probate assets total $50,000 or less, you may qualify for Voluntary Administration under SCPA Article 13 — a faster, cheaper small estate proceeding. Beneficiary-designated assets don't count toward the limit. See our overview of New York small estate procedures.
Filing in Another Borough
Each borough has its own court. If your loved one lived elsewhere, use the right guide: Manhattan (New York County), Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, or the Bronx.
When to Call a Staten Island Probate Attorney
You can file on your own, but with a family home almost always in the mix — and an executor's personal liability on the line — most Staten Island families are better served by a probate attorney.
At Morgan Legal Group, our probate practice handles Richmond County estates from filing to final distribution, and we build estate plans with wills and trusts that keep the family home out of court.
For official information, visit the Richmond County Surrogate's Court page on nycourts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Staten Island Surrogate's Court?
At 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, in St. George. It handles probate and administration for Staten Island residents.
How much does Staten Island probate cost to file?
Filing fees follow the statewide SCPA 2402 schedule — $45 to $1,250 based on estate value. Attorney fees and commissions are separate.
How long does probate take on Staten Island?
Often 9 to 15 months for an uncontested case at this smaller court; longer if contested or if an heir is hard to locate.
Can I e-file Staten Island probate?
Yes. Richmond County participates in NYSCEF, so most documents can be e-filed, though the original will must be delivered to the court.
Does the family home need probate?
If it was owned solely by the decedent, yes. If it was jointly owned with right of survivorship or held in a trust, it usually passes without probate.
