What Is Probate?
Probate is the court process that validates a deceased person's will and authorizes the named executor to administer the estate. The court issues Letters Testamentary, which banks and other institutions require before releasing assets.
The legal process is largely the same statewide — the forms are statewide forms and the basic rules don't change from county to county. For the full comparison of probate vs. administration, see our statewide probate vs. administration guide. This page covers what's specific to Staten Island.
Where to File on Staten Island
If the person who died was domiciled on Staten Island, the probate case is filed with Richmond County Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Richmond County is Staten Island's legal county name, which is why the court's official name is "Richmond County Surrogate's Court" — it is the Surrogate's Court serving all of Staten Island. The clerks' offices are on the 2nd Floor, Room 201.
Not sure Staten Island (Richmond County) is the right county? The venue rule is statewide — you file where the person who died was domiciled. Our venue guide explains how domicile is determined.
Filing by Mail or NYSCEF
The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — addressed to 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Include your contact information and an email address with the filing. E-filing through NYSCEF is accepted as well.
What You'll Need
- The original will
- Death certificate — certified copy
- Probate petition and supporting documents (statewide forms)
- Asset information and heir/beneficiary details
Searching Court Records
Need to check whether an estate file already exists? The court offers WebSurrogate, a free public records search for estate proceedings. 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..
Filing Fees
Surrogate's Court 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 the full schedule in our statewide filing fees guide.
Free Help at the Court
The court has a Help Center reachable at 718-675-8508 or richsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov. The New York State Bar Association also runs a pro bono program for certain Surrogate's Court matters (nysba.org/surrogatescourt).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Staten Island court called Richmond County Surrogate's Court?
Richmond County is the legal county name for the borough of Staten Island. The court's official name is Richmond County Surrogate's Court, and it serves Staten Island (Richmond County). Whichever name you search for, it is the same court at 18 Richmond Terrace.
Can I file the probate petition by mail on Staten Island?
Yes. The court accepts petitions and papers by mail — USPS regular or return-receipt mail, or FedEx/UPS — addressed 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.
What happens after I file my papers?
Per the court, court personnel may contact petitioners or counsel after the filed papers are reviewed. Where citations are needed, the court notes that citations may be issued by court order, with alternate service and appearances — see the court's website for samples.
What if the person who died didn't live on Staten Island?
Surrogate's Court proceedings are generally filed in the county where the person who died was domiciled — not where you live. If they were domiciled in another county, you file there instead. Our statewide venue guide walks through how domicile is determined.
How much does probate cost in Richmond County?
Surrogate's Court filing fees are set by state statute (SCPA 2402) and are the same in every New York county — they are based on the size of the estate. See our statewide filing fees guide for the full schedule.
Is there free help at the Staten Island court?
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).