Question 1

Where is the Staten Island Surrogate's Court?

Accepted Answer

The court — officially Richmond County Surrogate's Court — is located at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The clerks' offices are on the 2nd Floor, Room 201, and the Records Room is in the Basement, Room B-3. The General Clerk's Office phone number is 718-675-8500.

Question 2

Why is it called Richmond County Surrogate's Court if it serves Staten Island?

Accepted Answer

Richmond County is the legal county name for the borough of Staten Island — just as Brooklyn is legally Kings County and Manhattan is New York County. The court's official name is Richmond County Surrogate's Court, and it serves Staten Island (Richmond County). It is the same court, whichever name you use.

Question 3

What are the court's hours?

Accepted Answer

The published hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The Records Room (Basement, Room B-3) keeps its own hours: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–4 p.m..

Question 4

How do I file papers with the Staten Island court?

Accepted Answer

The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — sent to 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include your contact information and an email address with the filing. E-filing through NYSCEF is also accepted. After the papers are reviewed, court personnel may contact petitioners or counsel.

Question 5

How do I contact a court department?

Accepted Answer

The court publishes direct lines: General Clerk's Office 718-675-8500; Help Center 718-675-8508 (richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov); Law Department 718-675-8505; Guardianship Department 718-675-8510 (RichmondGuardianship@nycourts.gov); and Calendared Matter Inquiries 718-675-8505.

Question 6

How do I look up estate records on Staten Island?

Accepted Answer

For estate proceedings, the court offers WebSurrogate, a free online public records search. In person, the Records Room is in the Basement, Room B-3 and is open 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–4 p.m..

Question 7

Which county do I file in?

Accepted Answer

Surrogate's Court proceedings are generally filed in the county where the person who died was domiciled (made their primary home) — not where you live. If the person lived on Staten Island, you file in Richmond County Surrogate's Court, even if you live elsewhere. Our statewide venue guide explains how domicile is determined.

Question 8

What is the difference between probate and administration?

Accepted Answer

Probate is used when the deceased person left a valid will — the court validates the will and appoints the named executor. Administration is used when there is no will — the court appoints an administrator according to a priority order set by state law. Our statewide probate vs. administration guide compares the two processes in detail.

Question 9

How much does it cost to file in the Staten Island court?

Accepted Answer

Filing 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 our statewide Surrogate's Court filing fees guide for the complete schedule.

Question 10

Is there free help at the court if I don't have a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The court has a Help Center reachable at 718-675-8508 or richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. The New York State Bar Association also maintains a Surrogate's Court help resource, and free or low-cost counsel may be available for certain matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt).

Question 11

Is this website affiliated with the court?

Accepted Answer

No. This is an independent public resource created to help families navigate the Surrogate's Court process. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Richmond County Surrogate's Court or the New York State Unified Court System. For official court information, visit nycourts.gov or call 718-675-8500.

Staten Island Surrogate's Court FAQ

Related Guides

Inherited a House in Staten Island?