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 Queens.
Where to File in Queens
If the person who died was domiciled in Queens, the petition is filed with Queens County Surrogate's Court at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435. The clerks' offices are on the 7th floor. The case is handled by the court's Administration Department, which also handles Article 13 small estates.
Not sure Queens is the right county? See our statewide venue guide.
E-Filing (NYSCEF)
Queens is a mandatory e-filing county for Surrogate's Court. Under the court's protocol, new administration proceedings must be commenced electronically through NYSCEF, and later documents in the case are e-filed as well.
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.
Free Help at the Court
The Queens County Surrogate's Court Help Center assists with estate proceedings, guardianships, and probate/administration, with access to court forms, sample forms, and informational hand-outs. The New York State Bar Association also runs a pro bono program for certain Surrogate's Court matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which department handles administration cases in Queens?
The court's Administration Department handles administration proceedings — it also handles small estates under Article 13. The court instructs filers with questions about the status of a matter to email the department directly; the Clerk's Office general number is (718) 298-0500.
Do I have to e-file an administration case in Queens?
Under the court's e-filing protocol, new administration proceedings in Queens County Surrogate's Court must be commenced electronically through NYSCEF. Self-represented (pro se) filers are exempt from mandatory e-filing but may choose to participate.
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.
What if the estate is small — under $50,000?
New York offers a simplified process (voluntary administration) for qualifying small estates. In Queens, small-estate filings under Article 13 are handled by the same Administration Department. See our Queens small estates guide for details.
How much does administration cost in Queens?
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.