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Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.
Yes. Self-filing in Westchester County works best for straightforward estates with a clear will and few beneficiaries.
File at the Surrogate's Court, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, 19th Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. Phone: 914-824-5656. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Westchester County requires e-filing for probate matters. Mandatory e-filing effective May 3, 2017 for all new probate and administration proceedings and related miscellaneous proceedings. For all e-filed cases, correspondence must be electronically filed.
Westchester County doesn't have a dedicated probate self-help center, so self-filers should confirm local procedures with the court clerk.
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: 5% first $100K / 4% next $200K / 3% next $700K / 2.5% next $4M / 2% over $5M), SCPA § 2402(7) (graduated court petition fees: <$10K=$45, <$20K=$75, <$50K=$215, <$100K=$280, <$250K=$420, <$500K=$625, ≥$500K=$1,250), SCPA § 2402(9) ($150 objections; $150 jury demand; $45 note of issue), SCPA § 1301 (voluntary administration, $50K personal-property cap, no CPI adjustment; raised from $30K by Ch. 557, L. 2019 [S4951A], eff. 2019-11-25), SCPA § 1304 (no waiting period; file affidavit + certified death certificate; $1 fee), SCPA § 1802 (7-month creditor claim period; runs automatically from issuance of letters; no publication required — former SCPA § 1801 repealed by Ch. 514, L. 1993; no § 1801 exists in current consolidated SCPA). Verified 2026-06-11 via nysenate.gov primary sources.Verified Jun 11, 2026 Many New York courts offer self-help resources and standardized forms.
Court filing fees in New York vary by county.SCPA § 2307 (executor: 5% first $100K / 4% next $200K / 3% next $700K / 2.5% next $4M / 2% over $5M), SCPA § 2402(7) (graduated court petition fees: <$10K=$45, <$20K=$75, <$50K=$215, <$100K=$280, <$250K=$420, <$500K=$625, ≥$500K=$1,250), SCPA § 2402(9) ($150 objections; $150 jury demand; $45 note of issue), SCPA § 1301 (voluntary administration, $50K personal-property cap, no CPI adjustment; raised from $30K by Ch. 557, L. 2019 [S4951A], eff. 2019-11-25), SCPA § 1304 (no waiting period; file affidavit + certified death certificate; $1 fee), SCPA § 1802 (7-month creditor claim period; runs automatically from issuance of letters; no publication required — former SCPA § 1801 repealed by Ch. 514, L. 1993; no § 1801 exists in current consolidated SCPA). Verified 2026-06-11 via nysenate.gov primary sources.Verified Jun 11, 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.
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This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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