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. 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 small-estate filing fee.
Where to File in Orange County
In Orange County, Article 13 small-estate filings go to Orange County Surrogate's Court at 30 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924, in Goshen. Court hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state holidays. Procedure questions? Call 845-476-3655 or email VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov.
E-Filing (NYSCEF)
Under the court's e-filing protocol, filing through NYSCEF (the state's electronic filing system) is mandatory for small estate 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, filed as a stand-alone document. The court accepts payment of SCPA fees by credit card through NYSCEF or by payment at the court, and in any e-filed proceeding certificates are requested and paid for in advance through NYSCEF — the court mails them out.
Getting Help
The New York State Bar Association maintains a Surrogate's Court help resource, and free or low-cost counsel may be available for certain matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt). Court clerks can answer general questions about procedures and forms but cannot give legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I file a small estate 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.
How much does a small-estate filing cost?
Small-estate (voluntary administration) filings have a $1 filing fee under SCPA 1304 — the same in every New York county. See our statewide filing fees guide for all Surrogate's Court fees.
Do I have to e-file a small-estate case in Orange County?
The court's e-filing protocol makes e-filing through NYSCEF mandatory for small estate 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 pay the fee and get my certificate in an e-filed case?
The court accepts payment of SCPA fees by credit card through NYSCEF or by payment at the court; under the court's protocol, an e-filing is deleted if payment is not made within two business days after e-filing. In any e-filed proceeding, certificates are requested and paid for in advance through NYSCEF, and the court mails the certificates and letters out.
What if the estate doesn't qualify as a small estate?
If the estate exceeds the small-estate limit or includes real property in the decedent's name alone, you generally need full administration (no will) or probate (with a will). See our Orange County administration and probate guides for where to file.
Is there free legal help for Surrogate's Court matters?
The New York State Bar Association maintains a Surrogate's Court help resource, and free or low-cost counsel may be available for certain matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt). Court clerks can answer general questions about procedures and forms but cannot give legal advice.