Estate Planning & Probate in Queens County, New York
Queens County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Queens County's actual court and recording 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 Queens County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Queens County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Queens County→The Probate Process in Queens 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 Queens County, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica. The court sits in the 11th Judicial District.
Full Queens Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Surrogate's Court
Queens County · 11th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Office of the City Register
Queens County · City Register
$37 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $42; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Surrogate's Court
Use Form SCM-2 "Notice of Opt-Out from Participation in Proceeding Subject to Electronic Filing" to opt out. Form SC-3 available if ceasing e-filing after starting. Local Cash Flow Statement form required for all accounting proceedings. Form available on Queens Surrogate local forms page.
New York Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Queens County.
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