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.
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 (bxcountypa.com) 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. Remember also that all citations must be served under SCPA Article 3 (personal service on domiciliaries), and calendar appearances are virtual unless you notify the court 3 business days ahead.
Filing Fees
Fees follow the same statewide estate-value schedule (SCPA 2402) in every county. See our statewide filing fees guide.
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 (bxcountypa.com) 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.