What Is Probate?
Probate is the court process that validates a deceased person's will and authorizes the named executor to administer the estate. The court issues Letters Testamentary, which banks and other institutions require before releasing assets.
The legal process is largely the same statewide — the forms are statewide forms and the basic rules don't change from county to county. For the full comparison of probate vs. administration, see our statewide probate vs. administration guide. 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 probate case 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 Probate Department — 718-618-2365. That same department also handles requests to open a safe deposit box — useful when the original will is locked inside one.
Not sure the Bronx is the right county? The venue rule is statewide — you file where the person who died was domiciled. Our venue guide explains how domicile is determined.
The $50,000 Department Split
The Bronx court splits cases by estate value. The Probate Department handles decedents with 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 — with or without a will — the case goes to the Small Estate Department (718-618-2309) instead.
Citations & Virtual Appearances
Two Bronx local rules, effective July 1, 2022, catch many families off guard:
- Personal service of citations.All citations must be served in accordance with SCPA Article 3 — the court requires personal service on domiciliaries. The court's Virtual Appearance Notice must be served with every citation.
- Appearances are virtual. Calendar appearances are conducted virtually. If you prefer to appear in person, you must notify the court at least three business days before the scheduled appearance.
What You'll Need
- The original will — if it's in a safe deposit box, the Probate Department handles requests to open it
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Probate petition and supporting documents (statewide forms)
- Asset information and heir/beneficiary details
After Letters Issue
The executor's work doesn't end when Letters Testamentary 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. Calendar that deadline from day one.
Filing Fees
Surrogate's Court fees are set by state statute (SCPA 2402) and are the same in all 62 New York counties — they are based on the size of the estate. See the full schedule in our statewide filing fees guide.
Free Help at the Court
The court's Help Center assists unrepresented filers with information on procedures, rules, and forms — with separate English ((718) 618-1722) and Spanish ((718) 618-1744) lines, and by email at bxsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. The City Bar Justice Center's Planning & Estates Law Project (NYC Bar Association) also offers guidance on Surrogate's Court forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which department handles probate at the Bronx court?
The Probate Department, at 718-618-2365. Per the court, it handles decedents with a will who leave real and/or personal property worth more than $50,000 — and it also handles requests to open a safe deposit box. If the estate is under $50,000 in personal property, the Small Estate Department (718-618-2309) handles it instead, even when there is a will.
How must the citation be served in the Bronx?
Under the court's notice effective July 1, 2022, all citations must be served in accordance with SCPA Article 3 — the court requires personal service on domiciliaries — and the court's Virtual Appearance Notice must be served with every citation.
Do I appear in court in person or virtually?
Calendar appearances in Bronx County Surrogate's Court are conducted virtually. A party may appear in person instead, but must notify the court at least three business days before the scheduled appearance.
What if the person who died didn't live in the Bronx?
Surrogate's Court proceedings are generally filed in the county where the person who died was domiciled — not where you live. If they were domiciled in another county, you file there instead. Our statewide venue guide walks through how domicile is determined.
Is there free Spanish-language help at the Bronx court?
Yes. The court's Help Center for unrepresented court users has a dedicated Spanish line at (718) 618-1744 (English: (718) 618-1722; email bxsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov). It provides basic information on procedures, court rules, forms, and brochures — but it cannot give legal advice.