Brooklyn Surrogate’s Court Guide
Kings County, New York

For this guide, Brooklyn refers to Kings County Surrogate's Court. New York County refers to Manhattan. Check the statewide county guide if you are unsure where the proceeding belongs.

The starting point is the deceased person’s domicile—their primary home before death—not the address of the relative completing the papers. NY Courts directs estate proceedings to that county. If the person had multiple homes or the correct county is unclear, review the official domicile guidance and get help before filing.

Kings County Surrogate’s Court is at 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The court’s main page lists 347-404-9700. For proceeding-specific questions, the directory lists probate at 347-404-9670 and administration/small estates at 347-404-9690. These are court contacts, separate from Keystone’s private service.

The court lists Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.–noon; and a 1–2 p.m. lunch closure. The cashier closes at 3:45 p.m. on full days and noon Wednesday. Check the current department listing and court holiday calendar before traveling.

Probate concerns a will and the court’s review of its validity. Administration concerns an estate without a will. A qualifying small estate may use voluntary administration with or without a will. The right route also depends on the assets and circumstances; use the comparison guide before choosing forms.

Yes, those names describe the small-estate procedure. Eligibility depends on the estate’s property, not just one bank balance; real estate and possible lawsuits can affect the route. Review the official eligibility guidance. NY Courts also offers a free Small Estate Affidavit DIY program, separate from optional private preparation services.

This page links to statewide PDFs already in the guide's shared catalog and separately to Kings local forms. Check the current Kings instructions for local supplements and citation forms. A checklist helps you prepare; it is not itself a petition to file. The official forms are accessible without purchasing Keystone services.

NY Courts’ probate guidance calls for the original will and a certified death certificate with the petition and supporting documents. Administration guidance also calls for a certified death certificate. Ask the Kings department how to deliver originals and what else your filing needs; uploading a scan does not resolve those questions.

The Kings cashier page links to free WebSurrogate searches for public estate information and documents. For a certificate of appointment or a certified copy, check the cashier’s current instructions and fees. Kings states that estate searches are not performed by telephone; its page explains in-person and mail options.

This guide does not offer a standard Kings turnaround or a guaranteed completion date. For a pending filing, contact the relevant court department to ask what remains outstanding and whether further papers or a court appearance are needed. Keep the file number and any court correspondence available when asking about your case.

The official schedule bases probate and administration filing fees on the estate value stated for the proceeding. Certificates, certified copies and searches have separate charges. Use the shared fee guide for orientation, then confirm the applicable amount and payment method with the Kings cashier before submitting payment. Private preparation fees are separate from court fees.

The Kings Help Center offers court forms, information and referrals. Court staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice. NY Courts notes that estate proceedings can become complex and that counsel may be advisable. For advice about your rights, a disputed will or which legal step to take, consult a licensed attorney. Keystone provides private document preparation and coordination, not legal advice or representation.

No. This is an independent private resource operated by Keystone Pinnacle, a document preparation and coordination business. We are not the court, a government agency or a law firm. Court links on this page go to official resources. Contact an attorney for legal advice about your case.