What Is Voluntary Administration?
Voluntary administration (SCPA Article 13) is a simplified court process available in New York for qualifying small estates. It allows a family member to collect and distribute a decedent's assets without going through full probate or administration — faster, simpler, and less expensive.
Does the Estate Qualify?
The eligibility rules are statewide — the same in every county: the estate must fall within the Article 13 personal-property value limit and cannot include real property in the decedent's name alone. The Bronx court states it plainly in its own department description: personal property worth less than $50,000 in the decedent's name only, with or without a will. Our statewide probate vs. administration guide explains how small estates fit between the two full proceedings, and the statewide filing fees guide covers the $1 filing fee.
Where to File in the Bronx
The Bronx is one of the few counties with a dedicated Small Estate Department, with its own direct line: 718-618-2309. Filings are made at Bronx County Surrogate's Court, 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451, 3rd Floor.
The Court's DIY Program
The Bronx court offers a DIY Small Estate Affidavit Program for pro se (self-represented) voluntary administration filings, with or without a will. The state court system's DIY forms work like a questionnaire: you answer the questions, print the result, and submit the original signed, notarized document with an original death certificate when filing. The state system also offers DIY forms for Article 17A guardianship matters.
Free Notary in the Building
The affidavit must be signed before a notary — and the court makes that easy: per its resources list, the County Clerk's Office at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 118 (the same building), has a notary available at no charge to witness your signing of the documents required in this court.
Free Help at the Court
The court's Help Center assists unrepresented filers with information on procedures and forms — English (718) 618-1722, Spanish (718) 618-1744, or by email at bxsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. It cannot fill out the forms for you or give legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which department handles small estates at the Bronx court?
The Bronx court has a dedicated Small Estate Department at 718-618-2309. Per the court, it handles decedents with or without a will leaving personal property worth less than $50,000 in their name alone.
Can I file a small estate in the Bronx without a lawyer?
Yes. The court runs a DIY Small Estate Affidavit Program for pro se (self-represented) voluntary administration filings, with or without a will. The state court system's DIY forms work like a questionnaire: you answer the questions, print the result, and submit the original signed, notarized document with an original death certificate when filing.
Where can I get the affidavit notarized?
Per the court's resources list, the County Clerk's Office at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 118 — the same building as the Surrogate's Court — has a notary available at no charge to witness your signing of the documents required in this court.
What if the estate includes real estate?
Voluntary administration covers personal property only. If the decedent owned real estate solely in their name, you need full probate (with a will) through the Probate Department or full administration (no will) through the Administration Department instead — the Bronx court draws that line at real property or more than $50,000 in assets.
How much does a small estate filing cost?
The small estate (voluntary administration) filing fee is $1 under SCPA 1304 — a statewide statute, the same in every county. See our statewide filing fees guide for the full SCPA 2402 schedule.