Estate Planning & Probate in Staten Island, New York
There are two reasons people look up Richmond County (Staten Island) probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. 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 Richmond County (Staten Island)→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Richmond County (Staten Island) home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Richmond County (Staten Island)→The Probate Process in Richmond County (Staten Island)
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 Staten Island, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Room 201, Staten Island. The court sits in the 13th Judicial District.
Full Richmond County (Staten Island)probate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Surrogate's Court
Richmond County (Staten Island) · 13th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Richmond County (Staten Island) · County Clerk · Hon. Stephen J. Fiala
Address
Phone
Hours
$32 per document plus $2 for every page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $36; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Surrogate's Court
The court offers a self-help center. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 718-675-8508 for details.
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 Richmond County (Staten Island).
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
