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 on Staten Island
On Staten Island, Article 13 small-estate filings go to Richmond County Surrogate's Court— the Surrogate's Court serving Staten Island (Richmond County) — at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301, with the clerks' offices on the 2nd Floor, Room 201. The General Clerk's Office number is 718-675-8500.
Filing by Mail or NYSCEF
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, with your contact information and an email address included. E-filing through NYSCEF is accepted as well.
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
Where do I file a small estate for someone who lived on Staten Island?
In Richmond County Surrogate's Court — the Surrogate's Court serving Staten Island — at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. The clerks' offices are on the 2nd Floor, Room 201, and the General Clerk's Office number is 718-675-8500.
Can a small estate be filed by mail or online?
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, with your contact information and an email address included. E-filing through NYSCEF is also accepted.
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 Staten Island administration and probate guides for where to file.