What Is Administration?
Administration is the court process used when someone dies without a will (intestate). The court appoints an administrator — usually the closest living relative — and issues Letters of Administration, which authorize the administrator to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate under New York law.
Who has priority to be appointed and who inherits are statewide rules — the same in every county. See our statewide probate vs. administration guide for the priority order and intestacy rules. This page covers what's specific to the Bronx.
Where to File in the Bronx
If the person who died was domiciled in the Bronx, the petition is filed with Bronx County Surrogate's Court at 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, 3rd Floor. The case is handled by the court's Administration Department — 718-618-2370.
Not sure the Bronx is the right county? See our statewide venue guide.
E-Filing (NYSCEF)
The court's protocol makes e-filing through NYSCEF mandatory for all new administration proceedings — and their related and subsequent proceedings — commenced on or after July 10, 2026. Unrepresented filers are exempt, but may choose to participate.
E-filing doesn't eliminate all paper: the court requires paper working copies of pleadings, motions (with all exhibits and responding papers), and accountings, with proof of e-filing attached — and review does not begin until the court receives the working copy. The court also publishes an Administration Packet and a Petition to Amend Letters of Administration on its forms page.
Citations follow the same protocol: the proposed citation is submitted through NYSCEF only; the court completes the citation and uploads the finished version; you then print it and serve it as the SCPA requires, together with a Notice of Commencement of Proceeding Subject to Mandatory Electronic Filing. Since July 10, 2026, new citations contain a QR code to appear on the court's platform for a hearing.
The $50,000 Department Split
Per the court, the Administration Department handles decedents without a will who leave real and/or personal property worth more than $50,000. If the estate is personal property under $50,000 in the decedent's name alone, the case belongs with the Small Estate Department (718-618-2309) through the simplified voluntary administration process.
The Bronx Public Administrator
Not every estate has a relative who can serve. The court's official page points filers to the Bronx County Public Administrator — 851 Grand Concourse, Room 336, Bronx, NY 10451, phone (718) 293-7660 (nyc.gov/site/bronxpa) — for cases where there is no next of kin available or no one qualifies to file. The court also notes that a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities can remove a barrier to becoming an administrator or executor — relevant when a proposed fiduciary has a criminal conviction.
What You'll Need
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Administration petition and supporting documents — statewide forms
- List of estate assets with approximate values
- Details for all legal heirs (distributees)
- If the NYPD holds the decedent's items: the Property Clerk's Office invoice (215 East 161st Street, Room C27) is provided to the court
After Letters Issue
In the Bronx, the Inventory of Assets department (718-618-2385) notes that inventories are due no later than 9 months from the date letters are issued to the fiduciary. When you later need proof of your authority, Certificates of Appointment and Letters are mailed on a NYSCEF request — the fee is paid at the time of the request — and certified copies of a decree or order paid for via NYSCEF also arrive by regular mail.
Filing Fees
Fees follow the same statewide estate-value schedule (SCPA 2402) in every county. See our statewide filing fees guide.
The court accepts payment of SCPA fees by credit card through NYSCEF or by payment at the court, with no additional fee to use the NYSCEF system. Under the protocol, a pay-at-court petition is not considered filed until it is paid, and it may be deleted if not paid within two business days.
Free Help at the Court
The court's Help Center assists unrepresented filers — English ((718) 618-1722) and Spanish ((718) 618-1744) lines, email bxsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. For burial costs, the court links NYC HRA's M-860W Burial Assistance Application; the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) issues reports of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which department handles administration at the Bronx court?
The Administration Department, at 718-618-2370. Per the court, it handles decedents without a will who leave real and/or personal property worth more than $50,000. If the estate is personal property under $50,000, the Small Estate Department (718-618-2309) handles it instead.
What if no family member is available or qualifies to file?
The court's official page points filers to the Bronx County Public Administrator — 851 Grand Concourse, Room 336, Bronx, NY 10451, (718) 293-7660 (nyc.gov/site/bronxpa) — for cases where there is no next of kin available or no one qualifies to file. The Public Administrator is a public official who administers estates when no eligible relative can.
What is a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities and why does the court mention it?
The court's resources list notes that a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities can remove a barrier to becoming an administrator or executor — relevant when a proposed fiduciary has a criminal conviction. Ask the Help Center or a licensed attorney how it applies to your situation.
Is there a deadline after I receive Letters of Administration?
Yes — the court's Inventory of Assets department (718-618-2385) notes that inventories are due no later than 9 months from the date letters are issued to the fiduciary. Mark the date your letters issue and calendar the 9-month deadline.
Who inherits when there is no will?
Intestate inheritance is a statewide rule (EPTL 4-1.1), the same in every New York county: the spouse takes the first $50,000 plus half of the rest, children share the remainder, and the statute continues down the family tree. Our statewide probate vs. administration guide covers the full priority order.
Do I have to e-file my administration case in the Bronx?
For cases commenced on or after July 10, 2026, the court's protocol makes e-filing through NYSCEF mandatory for all new administration proceedings and their related and subsequent proceedings. Unrepresented filers are exempt, but may choose to participate. There is no additional fee to use the NYSCEF system.
Is there a fee to amend Letters of Administration in the Bronx?
No — the court announced that effective August 6, 2026, there is no longer a filing fee for a petition to amend Letters of Administration. On NYSCEF, the petition goes in the drop box for other administration proceedings. One caveat from the court: if the amendment increases the value of the estate, the additional fee under SCPA 2402(7) still applies.