What Is Administration?
Administration is the court process used when someone dies without a will (intestate). The court appoints an administrator — usually the closest living relative — and issues Letters of Administration, which authorize the administrator to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate under New York law.
Who has priority to be appointed and who inherits are statewide rules — the same in every county. See our statewide probate vs. administration guide for the priority order and intestacy rules. This page covers what's specific to Orange County.
Where to File in Orange County
If the person who died was domiciled in Orange County, the petition is filed with Orange County Surrogate's Court at 30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924 — in Goshen, the county seat. The court sits in the 9th Judicial District.
Not sure Orange County is the right county? See our statewide venue guide.
E-Filing (NYSCEF)
Under the court's e-filing protocol, filing through NYSCEF (the state's electronic filing system) is mandatory for administration proceedings commenced on or after February 16, 2021. Self-represented filers are exempt from mandatory e-filing, but may choose to participate.
The protocol requires a Request for Court Action form as the first document uploaded with each filing. It is filed as a stand-alone document, and a new form is prepared for each filing. If the case requires a citation, the proposed citation is submitted through NYSCEF only; the court completes the citation, uploads it to NYSCEF, and sends an e-mail notification when it is posted — you then print and serve it.
Reaching the Court
The court publishes a phone number (845-476-3655), a fax number (845-291-2196), and a virtual-court email (VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov). Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays.
What You'll Need
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Administration petition and supporting documents — statewide forms
- List of estate assets with approximate values
- Details for all legal heirs (distributees)
Filing Fees
Fees follow the same statewide estate-value schedule (SCPA 2402) in every county. See our statewide filing fees guide.
The court accepts payment of SCPA fees by credit card through NYSCEF or by payment at the court. Pay promptly: under the court's protocol, an e-filing is deleted if payment is not made within two business days after e-filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I file an administration case in Orange County?
With Orange County Surrogate's Court at 30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays. Call 845-476-3655 with questions about procedures and forms.
Who has the right to be appointed administrator?
New York law sets a statewide priority order for who may receive Letters of Administration — generally the surviving spouse first, then children, and so on. This is the same in every county. Our statewide probate vs. administration guide explains the priority order and who inherits when there is no will.
Can I email the Orange County Surrogate's Court?
The court publishes a virtual-court email address, VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov, along with its phone (845-476-3655) and fax (845-291-2196). Clerks can answer general questions but cannot give legal advice.
What if the estate is small?
New York offers a simplified process (voluntary administration under SCPA Article 13) for qualifying small estates, filed in the same court. See our Orange County small estates guide for details.
Do I have to e-file an administration case in Orange County?
The court's e-filing protocol makes e-filing through NYSCEF mandatory for administration proceedings commenced on or after February 16, 2021. Self-represented filers are exempt from mandatory e-filing but may choose to participate. In addition to e-filing the death certificate, a hard copy (certified if required) must be filed within two business days of e-filing.
How do I get certificates of my Letters of Administration?
Under the court's protocol, you request and pay for certificates in advance through NYSCEF in any e-filed proceeding, and the court mails the certificates and letters out. Page 2 of the court's Request for Court Action form (Request for Non-Proceeding Relief) is used to request court-certified documents or Certificates of Appointment.
How much does administration cost in Orange County?
Filing fees are set by state statute (SCPA 2402) and follow the same estate-value schedule in all 62 New York counties. See our statewide filing fees guide for the full schedule.