Can You Self-File Probate in Clinton County, New York?
Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Self-filing in Clinton County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries. The estate settlement plan tracks each Clinton County filing step alongside the estate's accounts and deadlines.
File at the Surrogate's Court, Clinton County Government Center, 137 Margaret Street, Suite 315, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Phone: 518-536-3830. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Clinton County requires e-filing for probate matters. Mandatory e-filing effective May 26, 2021, with the exception of adoption proceedings and lifetime trusts, which are exempt regardless of commencement date. Guardianship proceedings, while not mandatory, may be e-filed on a consensual basis. Self-represented litigants exempt but must file opt-out form. Paper cases must remain paper (no hybrid proceedings).
Yes, you can file probate without a lawyer in New York, though the process may require more effort depending on estate complexity.SCPA § 2307 (executor commissions, progressive: 5% first $100K / 4% next $200K / 3% next $700K / 2.5% next $4M / 2% over $5M), SCPA § 2110 (attorney compensation fixed by the court; no statutory percentage), SCPA § 2402(7) (graduated court petition fees: <$10K=$45, <$20K=$75, <$50K=$215, <$100K=$280, <$250K=$420, <$500K=$625, ≥$500K=$1,250), SCPA § 1301 (small estate definition — voluntary administration; $50K personal-property cap exclusive of the EPTL 5-3.1(a) set-off; no CPI adjustment; raised from $30K by Ch. 557, L. 2019 [S4951A], signed 2019-11-25), SCPA § 1302 (article inapplicable to real property, but ownership of real property does not prevent its use for personal property), SCPA § 1304 (no waiting period; affidavit + certified death certificate; $1 clerk fee; no bond), SCPA §§ 710/801/805 (bond), SCPA § 1408 (judicial probate — no informal/registrar track), SCPA § 1802 (7-month creditor claim period running from issue of letters; no publication trigger — Article 18 of the current SCPA begins at § 1802), 22 NYCRR § 207.20 (fiduciary/attorney self-reported Inventory of Assets — no court-appointed appraiser). Verified 2026-09-08 against live nysenate.gov and nycourts.gov primary sources.Verified Sep 8, 2026 Many New York courts offer self-help resources and standardized forms.
Court filing fees in New York vary by county.SCPA § 2307 (executor commissions, progressive: 5% first $100K / 4% next $200K / 3% next $700K / 2.5% next $4M / 2% over $5M), SCPA § 2110 (attorney compensation fixed by the court; no statutory percentage), SCPA § 2402(7) (graduated court petition fees: <$10K=$45, <$20K=$75, <$50K=$215, <$100K=$280, <$250K=$420, <$500K=$625, ≥$500K=$1,250), SCPA § 1301 (small estate definition — voluntary administration; $50K personal-property cap exclusive of the EPTL 5-3.1(a) set-off; no CPI adjustment; raised from $30K by Ch. 557, L. 2019 [S4951A], signed 2019-11-25), SCPA § 1302 (article inapplicable to real property, but ownership of real property does not prevent its use for personal property), SCPA § 1304 (no waiting period; affidavit + certified death certificate; $1 clerk fee; no bond), SCPA §§ 710/801/805 (bond), SCPA § 1408 (judicial probate — no informal/registrar track), SCPA § 1802 (7-month creditor claim period running from issue of letters; no publication trigger — Article 18 of the current SCPA begins at § 1802), 22 NYCRR § 207.20 (fiduciary/attorney self-reported Inventory of Assets — no court-appointed appraiser). Verified 2026-09-08 against live nysenate.gov and nycourts.gov primary sources.Verified Sep 8, 2026 Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs, and bond premiums. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the New York probate calculator.
Sources
Data sourced from Surrogate's Court primary sources (9 pages reviewed). How we research.
Self-File Probate Assessment in Nearby Counties
- Other counties in the 4th Judicial District: Essex County (Elizabethtown) · Franklin County (Malone) · Fulton County (Johnstown) · Hamilton County (Lake Pleasant)
- More New York counties: Chenango County (Norwich) · Columbia County (Hudson)
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