Estate Planning & Probate in Livingston County, New York
Most Livingston County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Surrogate's Court details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Surrogate's Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Livingston County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Livingston County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Livingston County→The Probate Process in Livingston County
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 Livingston County, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at 2 Court Street, Geneseo. The court sits in the 7th Judicial District.
Full Livingston Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Surrogate's Court
Livingston County · 7th Judicial District
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Livingston County · County Clerk · Kristine M. Secor
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
$45 per document plus $5 for every page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $55; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Surrogate's Court
Before filing, run NYSCEF inquiry on decedent last name with first initial. Contact court to check for wills filed for safekeeping. Case name must be identical to name on will. No punctuation or spaces. Name on death certificate different from will = add as AKA.
New York Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Livingston County.
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