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.
E-Filing (NYSCEF)
The court's protocol makes e-filing through NYSCEF mandatory for all new probate proceedings — and their related and subsequent proceedings — commenced on or after July 10, 2026. Unrepresented filers are exempt, but may choose to participate. Before commencing the case, the protocol requires a NYSCEF name search (the decedent's last name plus the first initial) and contacting the court about any will that may be on file there for safekeeping.
E-filing doesn't eliminate all paper inside the case either: 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 $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 & Appearances
Under the court's e-filing protocols, 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. The court publishes a Citations Packet on its forms page.
Since July 10, 2026, new citations contain a QR code to appear on the court's platform for a hearing — the court posts these on its Appearance Links & Citations page, and runs a hybrid calendar of in-person and remote appearances.
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
- Bronx-specific forms — the court publishes a Staple Affidavit and a Petition to Open Safe Deposit Box, among others, on its forms page
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. 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
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.
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. Be aware: 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 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 does the citation work in the Bronx?
Under the court's e-filing protocols, the proposed citation is submitted through NYSCEF only; the court completes the citation and uploads the finished version to NYSCEF. You then print it and serve it as the SCPA requires, together with a Notice of Commencement of Proceeding Subject to Mandatory Electronic Filing.
Do I appear in court in person or virtually?
The court runs a hybrid calendar — a mix of in-person and remote appearances. Since July 10, 2026, new citations contain a QR code to appear on the court's platform for a hearing; the court posts these on its Appearance Links & Citations page. Follow the instructions on your citation.
Do I have to e-file my probate 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 probate 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.
What happens to the original will when the case is e-filed?
The court's e-filing protocols require the paper originals of the will and the certified death certificate to be delivered to the court two business days after they are filed. Scan the original will, but do not unstaple it. Before commencing, the protocol also requires contacting the court about any will that may be on file there for safekeeping.
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.