Suffolk County Probate Records

Probate records detail how a deceased person's estate was settled and distributed. In Suffolk County, New York, probate proceedings include actions like will executions, debt payments, and estate distribution in cases where a person had a will before passing. If a will is unavailable (intestate), probate involves the court appointing an executor, determining heirship, and supervising settlement (debt repayment and asset distribution). Records created and collated during these proceedings include petitions, wills, orders and decrees, motions, and case dockets similar to other Suffolk County court records.

Members of the public can order copies of probate records to gather information about a deceased person's will or court-supervised estate administration. These records can be used to confirm property ownership, settle estate disputes, and identify a decedent's debts and liabilities.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. Probate records in Suffolk County are public information per Section 255 of the New York Judiciary Law. The law states that clerks of courts, including clerks of probate courts, must search and provide case records upon any request by a member of the public.

However, clerks are not required to approve or process requests for documents or information restricted by law. For example, Section 207.64 of the Uniform Rules For The Surrogate's Court forbids the disclosure of sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers, taxpayer identification numbers, and employee identification numbers.

Also, records containing information about minors or mentally incapacitated persons and death certificates submitted during probate proceedings are protected records.

What is Probate Court in Suffolk County?

The Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court has jurisdiction over all probate matters filed within the county. It is where executors file petitions regarding a deceased person's will or estate. The court also hears disputes emanating from estate settlements, adoptions, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate administration cases for minors and mentally incapacitated individuals.

Probate Court Case Lookup

One can look up probate cases in Suffolk County, New York, by visiting the county courthouse at the following location:

County Center Building
320 Center Drive
Riverhead, New York 11901-3391

Public access computers at the courthouse are available to members of the public at no cost. These computers contain records dating back to 2009, and researchers can search for cases using a decedent’s name or case number. There are also self-service printers and photocopiers at the courthouse that cost 25 cents per page to use.

Individuals can also order probate records maintained before 2009 at the court premises through the Records Department and can view files in paper and microfiche formats. Visitors are expected to provide a case file number or pay for file number searches.

Individuals who cannot visit the courthouse can request copies of probate records by mail. The process involves filling out the form embedded in the How to Order Surrogate's Court Records brochure or drafting a letter with sufficient details and sending the request to the same address listed earlier.

Mail requests for copies must contain the decedent's file number. If the requester does not know the file number, they can search the Web Surrogate portal operated by the state's judiciary. The court also provides file number search services for a fee

The following are fees charged for probate search services and document copies:

• Plain paper copies (photocopies): 25 cents per page
• Certified copies: $6 per page
• Authentication/exemplification: $6 per page (additional $2 authentication fee)
• Certified searches within the past 25 years: $30
• Certified searches beyond 25 years: $90

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Web Surrogate is an online case search application operated by the New York Unified Courts System. It provides records of probate proceedings held in the Surrogate's courts across the state.

Site users can search for cases by file number or name and filter their search results by death date. The search results include the type of proceeding, filing date, case parties (and party role), case number, documents filed (and filing date), estate attorney and firm, and date of death.

Individuals can also download and view unofficial copies of public probate records, such as wills, petitions, and affidavits. However, those who need official and certified copies must submit requests to the Records Department of the Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court in person or by mail.

How Long Does Probate Take in New York

A few months to several years. The duration of a probate case in New York is determined by the complexity and size of a decedent's estate, whether the decedent made a will, the number of beneficiaries, the nature and number of debts to settle, and outstanding tax obligations. Other factors that may extend probate include disputes or challenges filed by beneficiaries, executors, or creditors.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes. Wills become public records in Suffolk County once they are probated in the local surrogate’s court. Members of the public can view these documents online through the Web Surrogate portal or at the courthouse via available public access computers or by direct request to court staff.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

Anyone can determine if a deceased person created a will in Suffolk County by reviewing the records of the local surrogate court. As stated, members of the public can view court documents at the courthouse, online, or request copies by mail. However, wills deposited with the court for safekeeping are confidential and can only be read by authorized parties, such as the testator and their agent.

Parties can also approach a testator’s attorney, agent, or executor to inquire about their will.

Suffolk County Family Court Case Search

Family law cases encompass legal proceedings related to families and children. These include adoption, guardianship, divorce, separation, foster care, persons in need of supervision, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, child support, parental rights, and custody proceedings. While the county has a family court, some proceedings, such as divorce and separation, are exclusively handled by the local supreme court.

It should be noted that many family proceedings are confidential and not accessible to the public. The parties and legal representatives can only obtain such case files and records.

Other individuals can still access the WebFamily portal to look up publicly available cases using a name or file/docket number. Interested parties can also visit the Suffolk County family courthouse in person or send record requests by mail or phone. Below are the relevant contact details.

Family Court - Central Islip
400 Carleton Avenue
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: (631) 740-3800

Family Court - Riverhead
Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex
210 Center Drive, 2nd Floor
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852-3905/6