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 Orange County.
Where to File in Orange County
If the person who died was domiciled in Orange County, the probate case 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? The venue rule is statewide — you file where the person who died was domiciled. Our venue guide explains how domicile is determined.
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
- The original will
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Probate petition and supporting documents (statewide forms)
- Asset information and heir/beneficiary details
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Orange County Surrogate's Court?
Orange County Surrogate's Court is at 30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924, in the 9th Judicial District. Hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays. The phone number is 845-476-3655.
How do I contact the Orange County Surrogate's Court?
The court publishes a phone number (845-476-3655), a fax number (845-291-2196), and a virtual-court email address (VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov). Clerks can answer general questions about procedures and forms, but they cannot give legal advice.
Who is the judge of Orange County Surrogate's Court?
The official court page lists Hon. Timothy McElduff, Jr., AJSC as the court's Judge. Amy Miller is the Chief Clerk and Kerri Serkes is the Deputy Chief Clerk.
What if the person who died didn't live in Orange County?
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.
How much does probate cost in Orange County?
Surrogate's Court filing fees are set by state statute (SCPA 2402) and are the same in every New York county — they are based on the size of the estate. See our statewide filing fees guide for the full schedule.