A Guide for Staten Island Families by Keystone Pinnacle
We are not affiliated with Richmond County Surrogate's Court.
Staten Island Surrogate's Court
Without the Runaround
Probate, administration, and step-by-step guides for Richmond County Surrogate's Court — the Surrogate's Court serving Staten Island. No legal jargon. No guesswork.
Or call (516) 703-6942
& Unbiased
(EN/ES)
Every Step
Staten Island or Richmond County? Two names, one court.
The court's official name is Richmond County Surrogate's Court, because Richmond County is the legal county name for the borough of Staten Island. The court serves Staten Island (Richmond County) and sits in the 13th Judicial District.
Whichever name you search for — "Staten Island Surrogate's Court" or "Richmond County Surrogate's Court" — it is the same court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
What's Your Situation?
Someone passed away with a will
Where and how to file for probate on Staten Island
Someone passed away without a will
How to get Letters of Administration on Staten Island
The estate is small
The simplified voluntary administration process
I don't know if I need probate or administration
Statewide comparison of the two processes
I don't know which county to file in
Statewide venue guide — where the case gets filed
I need to visit the court
Address, phone directory, records room, and hours
What Brings You to
Surrogate's Court?
Select your situation below for where to file on Staten Island, what documents to gather, and what to expect.
Looking for the statewide rules — fees, venue, probate vs. administration? See our statewide filing fees, venue guide, and process comparison.
What Happens After a
Loved One Passes
Obtain the Death Certificate
Request certified copies from the funeral home or NYC vital records.
Locate the Will (If One Exists)
Check the decedent's records, attorney files, and safe deposit box.
Determine the Type of Proceeding
Probate (with a will), Administration (no will), or Small Estate.
Gather Required Documents
Death certificate, will, asset information, heir details, and required court forms.
File the Petition
Submit your petition to Richmond County Surrogate's Court — the court accepts papers by mail, and e-filing through NYSCEF is accepted as well.
Serve Citation to Interested Parties
All heirs and beneficiaries must be notified via citation or waiver.
Attend the Court Hearing
The court reviews the petition. If approved, Letters are issued.
Administer the Estate
Collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute to beneficiaries.
Court Phone Directory
18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clerks' offices: 2nd Floor, Room 201.
Petitions and papers are accepted by mail, and e-filing through NYSCEF is accepted for Surrogate's Court proceedings.
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| General Clerk's Office | 718-675-8500 |
| Help Center | 718-675-8508 |
| Law Department | 718-675-8505 |
| Guardianship Department | 718-675-8510 |
| Calendared Matter Inquiries | 718-675-8505 |
Published email addresses: Help Center — richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov · Guardianship Department — RichmondGuardianship@nycourts.gov
Inherited a House in Staten Island?
Selling inherited property involves court filings, tax clearances, and title issues that most agents don't understand. Keystone Pinnacle specializes in exactly this.
Schedule a 15-minute call — we'll walk you through the process, the timeline, and what documents you need.
Not legal advice — estate property advisory and document preparation.
Send Us a Message
Contact Information
Phone
(516) 703-6942Location
Elmont, NY
Serving all of New York
Office Hours
Mon – Fri: 9AM – 6PM
Sat: By Appointment
Schedule a 15-Minute Call
Prefer to talk? Schedule a 15-minute call to discuss your estate property situation.
Need the Court Directly?
For official court business:
(646) 386-500031 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007