Brooklyn (Kings County) practice led by Theodore Alatsas, working the Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, New York and Nassau County Surrogate's Courts for nearly 30 years. Handles probate, administration proceedings, and trust administration, plus wills and trusts, Medicaid and long-term care planning, and asset protection. Runs estate planning workshops.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Brooklyn, New York
How probate works in Kings County (Brooklyn): the Surrogate's Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Kings County (Brooklyn) Surrogate's Court
Kings County (Brooklyn) · 2nd Judicial District
Phone
Hours
Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noon
Office
2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Allowed
Self-help forms
E-filing
OptionalE-filing through NYSCEF is consensual in probate, administration, voluntary administration, accounting, miscellaneous and guardianship proceedings commenced on or after June 1, 2020. The court accepts e-filed documents in proceedings begun on paper. Self-represented filers may e-file, mail their papers or deliver them by hand to the department.
Self-represented filing
AllowedSelf-represented filers file on paper with the department handling the case, by mail or by hand, or may choose to e-file.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Money order, Check, Credit card.The cashier takes cash in person, money orders, certified checks and New York State attorney's checks; personal checks are not accepted for exemplifications. Fees in e-filed matters may also be paid by Visa or MasterCard through NYSCEF.
Hearing schedule
- Process calendars are called Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m., and motion calendars at 11:30 a.m. the same days.
Self-help center
- Self-help service1-347-401-9090 · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noon; Friday 9:00 AM-1:00 PMThe court's resources sheet for self-represented court users lists bar association and volunteer lawyer programs that help with Surrogate's Court matters.
County forms
- CitationsProbate, administration, accounting, guardianship, miscellaneous and wrongful death citations for this court.
- Instructions on the Filing of ObjectionsHow to file objections in a proceeding in this court.
- Exemplification InformationRequesting exemplified copies for use in another state or country.
Departments
- Probate1-347-404-9670 · kingsurr-probate@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noonEstates of people who left a will.
- Administration and Small Estates1-347-404-9690 · kingsurr-admin@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noonEstates of people who left no will, including small estates.
- Accounting1-347-404-9685 · kingsurr-acc@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noonEstate and trust accountings.
- Guardianship and Adoption1-347-404-9664 · kingsurr-guard@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noonGuardianship of minors and Article 17-A applications.
- Miscellaneous1-347-404-9680 · kingsurr-misc@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noonApartment and safe deposit box searches.
- Records1-347-404-9710 · kingsurr-records@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noon
- Cashier and Certificates1-347-404-9730 · kingsurr-cashier@nycourts.gov · Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-3:45 PM; Wednesday 9:00 AM-noonFees, certificates of appointment, certified copies and exemplifications.
- Urgent matterskingsurr-urgency@nycourts.govFor a proceeding with an approaching deadline, after an affidavit or affirmation of urgency is filed.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Kings County (Brooklyn)
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Brooklyn, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under New York intestacy law when there is no will.
Most New York estates take 9 months to 15 months to move through this process. Creditors have 7 monthsSCPA 1802, 1803, 1810, 1811; EPTL 11-1.5Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the opening of the estate.
What Probate Costs in Kings County (Brooklyn)
What probate costs in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Surrogate's Court at 2 Johnson Street, Brooklyn. The court is part of the 2nd Judicial District.
New York charges $45 - $1,250 (based on estate value)N.Y. SCPA § 2402(1), (2), (7)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in New York are negotiated, typically 2.5%Modeled estimate under SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 4%Modeled estimate under SCPA § 2110 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
New York sets executor compensation by statute — about $19,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.8%SCPA § 2307Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under SCPA §§ 710, 801, 805Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in New York typically runs 9 months to 15 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the Surrogate's Court
Probate documents in Kings County (Brooklyn) can be filed in person at the Surrogate's Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 2nd Judicial District.
Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Probate, Administration and Small Estates, Accounting, and Guardianship and Adoption.
The court's resources sheet for self-represented court users lists bar association and volunteer lawyer programs that help with Surrogate's Court matters.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
In New York, informal probate is not availableSCPA § 1408 (court must inquire into all facts before admitting a will to probate)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Kings County (Brooklyn) Self-Filing Assessment.
Kings County (Brooklyn) Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Proofs of service two days before the return date
Proofs of service, proposed decrees, supplemental citations and proposed orders for substituted service are filed at least two days before the return date. The court issues decrees in uncontested probate and administration proceedings without a proposed decree.
SourceCase name as signed on the will
The case name is entered exactly as the signature on the will, with no punctuation or spaces. A different name on the death certificate is added as an AKA.
SourceDocument Requirements
Original will and death certificate within two business days
The will is scanned without being unstapled, and the original will and original death certificate are delivered to the court within two business days of e-filing. An application waiting on originals not received within 60 days is deemed discontinued.
SourceCourt Appearances
In-person appearances
Court proceedings are in person. A virtual appearance on Microsoft Teams is an accommodation granted on application to the department handling the case.
SourceMotions on the two calendars
The Tuesday motion calendar is a submission calendar, with oral argument only on written request. Motions on the Thursday calendar are argued in person.
SourceRecords Access
Estate searches
Searches in the record room are free. Mailed requests include the decedent's name, date of death and last address with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and searches are not done by telephone.
SourceGetting to the Surrogate's Court
Subway
2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall; A, C, F to Jay Street/Borough Hall; R to Court Street
What to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the Surrogate's Court: Death certificate — one must be filed on any application for letters testamentary, letters of administration, or voluntary administration; alternate evidence of death may be accepted in the court's discretion (22 NYCRR 207.15(b)); Original will and any codicils (filed with the Petition for Probate) (SCPA Art. 14); Estimate of gross estate value (personal and real property, gross rents for 18 months, and any wrongful-death/personal-injury cause of action) in the petition (22 NYCRR 207.16(a)(2))N.Y. Surrogate's Court Procedure Act Art. 14 (§§ 1401-1424, probate; § 1402 who may propound will/contents of petition; § 1414 letters testamentary); Art. 10 (§ 1001 et seq., administration); Art. 13 (§§ 1301-1312, small estate)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Medical Examiner in Kings County (Brooklyn)
In New York a death is registered locally, and in Kings County (Brooklyn) certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Office of Vital Records, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Kings County (Brooklyn) as well as by New York State Department of Health - Vital Records Section.
Vital Records Office Record
Local Health Department
Kings County · Office of Vital Records, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Hours
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Office
125 Worth Street, Room CN-4, Room 119, New York, NY 10013
Website
Certified copies
By appointment
Order online
Local rule
- The Office of Vital Records issues death certificates for deaths in the five boroughs; every in-person order needs an appointment, and the counter handles death records from 1970 on. Older records are ordered online or by mail.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $15 |
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Medical Examiner
Kings County · Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Brooklyn Forensic Pathology and Family Services Center
Phone
Office
599 Winthrop Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Website
Serves this county
Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York
Release of remains
1-212-447-2030 · Communications Unit, family members · (press 3, then press 1) · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Verified November 1, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Kings County (Brooklyn)
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the City Register.
Deeds and other real property documents for Kings County (Brooklyn) are recorded with the City Register at 210 Joralemon Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Phone: 1-212-487-6300.
The City Register charges $37 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page.
Kings County (Brooklyn) accepts electronic recording through ACRIS.
Recording Office Record
City Register
Kings County (Brooklyn)
Phone
Office
210 Joralemon Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website
E-recording
Fees
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $37 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
| TP-584-NYC Combined Real Estate Transfer Tax Return (NYC)Not required for a TOD deed | no separate City Register filing fee |
| RP-5217-NYC Real Property Transfer Report (Residential/Agricultural)Not required for a TOD deed | $125 |
| RP-5217-NYC Real Property Transfer Report (Commercial/Other)Not required for a TOD deed | $250 |
| NYC-RPT NYC Real Property Transfer Tax ReturnRequired with most deeds | no fee on a deed; $100 to file the RPTT for non-deed transfers |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax |
NYC Department of Finance Schedule of Property Recording Fees and Taxes; CPLR § 8021; RPL § 333(3)(ii)
Verified October 17, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Kings County (Brooklyn)
New York uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Kings County (Brooklyn) — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in New York are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Kings County (Brooklyn) firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Surrogate's Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
College Point (Queens) firm with dedicated pages for will probate, estate administration, lost-will hearings, and spousal and beneficiary-rights disputes, taking executors from validating the will through distributing what is left, and petitioning the Surrogate's Court to admit a copy when the original will cannot be found. Also drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and testamentary guardian appointments for minor children. Serves all five New York City boroughs plus Nassau and Suffolk, and offers a free consultation and case evaluation on probate matters.
Sheepshead Bay firm on East 14th Street working Kings County estates out of Brooklyn's Surrogate's Court, with a second office in Manhattan. The practice covers probate, administration and all aspects of estate and trust administration, and prepares and files the estate, gift and fiduciary income tax returns that follow — work led by an attorney who is also a practising CPA.
Brooklyn firm led by Pinni Bohm with a second office in Times Square, Manhattan. Petitions the New York City Surrogate's Courts for Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration, advises executors and administrators on their duties, oversees distributions to beneficiaries and heirs, and negotiates with estate creditors. Also litigates will and trust contests, spousal right-of-election disputes, and fiduciary-misconduct claims.
Bay Ridge (Brooklyn) estate and elder law firm with four further offices in Manhattan, Bayside, Middle Village and Staten Island. For executors it files the original will, contacts next of kin, collects assets and prepares income and estate tax returns, and it litigates will contests, contested accountings and contested deed transfers in Surrogate's Court. Also handles wills and trusts, special needs trusts, estate tax and capital-gains planning, and Medicaid and long-term-care planning; the initial consultation is complimentary.
Brooklyn practice on Columbia Street representing executors and administrators in the Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond and Bronx Surrogate's Courts. It collects waivers and consents from distributees, gets a citation issued when an heir will not sign, opens the estate account and EIN, reviews creditor claims and files the final accounting. The first one-hour consultation is free, online or in person.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
(9)·
- N.Y. SCPA § 2402(1), (2), (7)
- N.Y. Surrogate's Court Procedure Act Art. 14 (§§ 1401-1424, probate; § 1402 who may propound will/contents of petition; § 1414 letters testamentary); Art. 10 (§ 1001 et seq., administration); Art. 13 (§§ 1301-1312, small estate)
- SCPA § 1408 (court must inquire into all facts before admitting a will to probate)
- SCPA § 2307
- SCPA 1802, 1803, 1810, 1811; EPTL 11-1.5
- NYC Department of Finance Schedule of Property Recording Fees and Taxes; CPLR § 8021; RPL § 333(3)(ii)
- Brooklyn Surrogate's Court, official page
- Kings County (Brooklyn) City Register, official page
- Kings County (Brooklyn) vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from New York statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in New York
Free tools for settling an estate in New York: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for New York.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in New York: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 270 days22 NYCRR 207.20Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 7 monthsSCPA 1802, 1803, 1810, 1811; EPTL 11-1.5Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 7 months to 9 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in New York happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteN.Y. EPTL Article 7Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
In New York, informal probate is not availableSCPA § 1408 (court must inquire into all facts before admitting a will to probate)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
Get the Answer
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