A Guide for Orange County Families by Keystone Pinnacle
We are not affiliated with Orange County Surrogate's Court.
Orange County Surrogate's Court
Explained Step by Step
Every Orange County estate case runs through a single courthouse in Goshen. Here's how probate, administration, and small estates work there — in plain English.
Or call (516) 703-6942
& Unbiased
(EN/ES)
Every Step
One county, one courthouse: everything runs through Goshen.
Orange County Surrogate's Court sits in Goshen, the county seat, at 30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924. No matter where in the county the person lived — Newburgh, Middletown, Port Jervis, or any of the towns in between — an Orange County resident's estate case is filed at this one courthouse, which is part of the 9th Judicial District in the Hudson Valley, not the New York City court system.
That also means you shouldn't assume procedures you've read about for Brooklyn or Queens courts apply here. The court publishes a main phone (845-476-3655), a fax line (845-291-2196), and a virtual-court email (VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov). We don't list an e-filing method for this court — confirm current filing procedures directly with the clerk's office before you send anything.
Which of These Sounds Like You?
There's a will I need to probate
How probate works at the Goshen courthouse
There's no will
Petitioning for Letters of Administration in Orange County
The estate looks small
Voluntary administration — the simplified route if it qualifies
Not sure which proceeding applies
Our statewide probate vs. administration comparison
The decedent didn't live in Orange County
Statewide venue guide — which county the case belongs in
I need the court's contact details
Goshen address, phone, fax, virtual-court email, and hours
Which Proceeding
Fits Your Case?
All three are filed at the Goshen courthouse. Pick the one that matches your situation for the documents, the filing details, and what to expect in Orange County.
Filing fees, venue rules, and the probate-vs-administration question are set by state law — they work the same in Goshen as anywhere in New York. Start with our statewide filing fees, venue guide, and process comparison.
An Orange County Estate,
Start to Finish
Get the Death Certificate
Order several certified copies through the funeral home or local vital records office — you will need them more than once.
Find the Original Will
Search the decedent's papers, contact the attorney who drafted it, and check any safe deposit box.
Identify the Right Proceeding
A will points to probate; no will points to administration; qualifying small estates can use the simpler voluntary route.
Assemble Your Paperwork
The death certificate, the original will if one exists, an inventory of assets, and the names and addresses of the heirs.
File with the Goshen Court
Bring your petition to Orange County Surrogate's Court. Not sure how the court wants papers submitted? Call 845-476-3655 before you file.
Notify the Interested Parties
Each heir and beneficiary gets formal notice — a citation with a court date, or a signed waiver and consent.
Wait for Letters to Issue
If the paperwork is in order and no one objects, the court approves the petition and issues the Letters that authorize you to act.
Settle and Distribute the Estate
Round up the assets, settle debts and final taxes, then distribute what remains to those entitled to it.
Orange County Quick Links
Court Information
30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924 · 845-476-3655
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays
The court sits in the 9th Judicial District and also publishes a fax number (845-291-2196) and a virtual-court email (VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov).
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Judge | Hon. Timothy McElduff, Jr., AJSC |
| Chief Clerk | Amy Miller |
| Deputy Chief Clerk | Kerri Serkes |
Inherited a House in Orange County?
Selling inherited property involves court filings, tax clearances, and title issues that most agents don't understand. Keystone Pinnacle specializes in exactly this.
Schedule a 15-minute call — we'll walk you through the process, the timeline, and what documents you need.
Not legal advice — estate property advisory and document preparation.
Send Us a Message
Contact Information
Phone
(516) 703-6942Location
Elmont, NY
Serving all of New York
Office Hours
Mon – Fri: 9AM – 6PM
Sat: By Appointment
Schedule a 15-Minute Call
Prefer to talk? Schedule a 15-minute call to discuss your estate property situation.
Need the Court Directly?
For official court business:
(646) 386-500031 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007