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 Queens
In Queens, Article 13 small-estate filings are handled by the Administration Department / Small Estate (Article 13) at Queens County Surrogate's Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435(clerks' offices on the 7th floor). The court instructs filers to email the department directly with questions about the status of a matter; the Clerk's Office general number is (718) 298-0500.
E-Filing (NYSCEF)
The court's e-filing protocol lists small estates among the proceedings that must be commenced electronically through NYSCEF in Queens.
Free Help at the Court
The Queens County Surrogate's Court Help Center assists with estate proceedings, including probate and 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 small estates at the Queens court?
The court's Administration Department handles small-estate (Article 13) filings along with full administration proceedings. 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.
Can a small estate be e-filed in Queens?
Yes. The court's e-filing protocol lists small estates among the proceedings that must be commenced electronically through NYSCEF. Self-represented (pro se) filers are exempt from mandatory e-filing but may choose to participate.
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.
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 Queens administration and probate guides for where to file.