Address
Suffolk County Surrogate's Court
320 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
The court is in Riverhead, the county seat, and sits in the 10th Judicial District of the New York State court system.
Hours
The court's published hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except State Holidays, per the official New York Courts website.
Individual department counter hours (for example, the cashier) are not published — call to confirm before you visit.
Phone & Contact
- Phone: 631-852-1745 — an automated menu system that reaches court staff
- Court public email: sufmessina@nycourts.gov
- Surrogate: Hon. Vincent J. Messina, Jr.
- Chief Clerk: Doreen A. Quinn (sufsur-chiefclerk@nycourts.gov)
- NYSCEF E-Filing Resource Center: 646-386-3033 · efile@nycourts.gov
The court does not publish department direct-dial lines on its current official page — use the main number's menu. Clerks can answer general questions about procedures and forms, but they cannot provide legal advice.
Parking & Accessibility
Per the court's official accessibility (ADA) page, the 320 Center Drive courthouse has on-site parking and a ramp-accessible entrance. For accessibility accommodations, the District Executive's office can be reached at 631-208-5600.
Appearances: Virtual or In Person
Per the court's published protocols, conferences and hearings may be held by Microsoft Teams — join 15 minutes early. Virtual appearances are discretionary; the court requires in-person appearances for the process calendar, orders to show cause, SCPA 2103 examinations, and orders to compel production of a will. Confirm the current procedure with the court or its current protocols document.
The Process Calendar
Suffolk runs a weekly "process calendar" system — per the court's published protocols, it is called Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m., in person unless arranged otherwise, and all motions must be returnable on a Tuesday process day. The court posts weekly calendar markings on its website and publishes an annual Process Calendar Dates PDF (the 2026 edition is linked on the official page). Verify current dates and rules on the court's official page before scheduling.
Getting Documents Back
A practical detail from Suffolk's published protocols: if you need documents returned by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with at least 2 oz of postage. Otherwise, documents go to the attorney pick-up bin at the courthouse.
Records Online
Court records (except adoption and guardianship) are searchable for free on WebSurrogate — you can often check a file's status without a trip to Riverhead.
What to Bring to Court
- Photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Your file number (if you have one)
- All relevant original documents — remember the original will and certified death certificate are due 2 business days after e-filing
- A self-addressed stamped envelope with 2 oz postage if you need documents mailed back