New York · New York State Unified Court System
Broome County Surrogate's Court Guide
Surrogate's Court information · Updated June 2026
Settling an estate while grieving is hard. This page takes it one step at a time, and free local help is listed below.
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Not sure if you need probate?
Many estates can avoid probate entirely. Assets with beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and trust assets may pass automatically without court involvement.
Immediate Actions
The first days
First: Get Death Certificates
Required for everythingCity, Town, or Village Clerk where the death occurred / New York State Department of Health
Office info
Secure the Property
- Lock the residence and secure valuable items
- Forward mail to a responsible family member
- Make a list of what you find (don't throw anything away yet)
Locate Important Documents
Required by Law
Legal duties
Deposit the Will
File the original will with probate papers, or with voluntary administration papers if the small estate has a will. County-specific handling still needs hardening. (SCPA Article 14)
Creditor claim window
Creditors generally have 7 months from case-specific fiduciary authority and claims process to bring claims against the estate. (Verify under SCPA/EPTL for the proceeding)
Notify Key Parties
- Banks and credit card companies (to prevent unauthorized use)
- Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213)
- Employer (if applicable) for final paycheck and benefits
Assess Your Situation
Before filing anything
Which probate type is right for you?
Small estate? If the estate is worth less than the New York small-estate limit (shown on the options below), you may qualify for simplified procedures.
Is there a valid will? If yes, you'll file for probate. If no will exists, it's administration.
Complex assets? Business interests, real estate in multiple states, or contested claims may require Surrogate's Court administration.
Select a probate type below to see specific requirements and costs.
Which applies to your situation?
Not sure? Use the free checker at the top of this page - you don't have to decide this alone.
Use this if the estate is small enough to qualify for your state's simplified small-estate process.
- Qualifies:
- $50,000 or less in personal property
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Small estate affidavit or voluntary administration petition
- Certified death certificate
- Original will if the decedent died with a will
- Names and addresses of the closest living relatives and people named in the will, if any
- Asset list with values, account numbers, serial numbers, or other identifying details when available
- Family tree affidavit, renunciation, or other supporting materials if required by the court
- $1 voluntary administration filing fee
Use this if the estate is larger or more complex and does not qualify for a simplified option.
- Qualifies:
- Larger estates, or when no simplified option fits
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Certified death certificate
- Copy of the paid funeral bill
- Petition for Letters of Administration from the New York Surrogate's Court forms set
- Names and addresses of distributees
- List of known assets and debts
- Citation, waiver, consent, renunciation, bond, family-tree, or due-diligence materials if required by the form set or court
- Filing fee based on estate value under SCPA 2402
Use this if the estate is larger or complicated and does not fit a simplified option.
- Qualifies:
- Estate over thresholds or complex situations
- Attorney:
- not required by law, though many families use one
Documents you'll need:
- Original will
- Certified death certificate
- Probate petition from the New York Surrogate's Court forms set
- Names and addresses of distributees and beneficiaries
- Citation, waiver, consent, fiduciary, bond, or supporting affidavits if required by the form set or court
- Filing fee based on estate value under SCPA 2402
File for Probate
Where to file, forms & fees
Where to File
Free Filing Help Available
Broome County Surrogate's Court self-help and clerk resources can help you understand forms and filing requirements at no cost.
Visit Self-Help CenterOther Topics That May Apply
Property & Real Estate
Property transfer after death, recording
Broome County Clerk
WebsiteBroome County Real Property Tax Services / municipal collectors
Vehicle Title Transfer
Retitle or transfer the deceased's vehicle. Office, forms, fees.
Transfer scenarios
Surviving Spouse or Minor Child (One Vehicle, $25,000 or Less)
Documents needed:
- Title
- Death certificate or certification of death copy
- MV-349.1 when transferring to another person
Executor or Administrator (More Than One Vehicle or Vehicle Over $25,000)
Documents needed:
- Title
- Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or Voluntary Administrator affidavit
- Executor or administrator signature on title
Fees
NY DMV title and registration fees vary by transaction; verify with DMV before filing.
Small-estate vehicle transfer
New York allows transfer of one vehicle worth $25,000 or less without full probate when transferring to a surviving spouse or surviving children under age 21 (if no qualified surviving spouse), per EPTL 5-3.1 family exemption rules. For estates under $50,000, a Voluntary Administrator affidavit (Surrogate's Court) may also authorize a vehicle transfer.
Threshold: $25,000
Lost or duplicate title
If the original certificate of title is lost, misplaced, or destroyed.
Apply for a duplicate title through the New York DMV before attempting to transfer a deceased owner's vehicle if the original title is missing.
Statewide forms and steps live in the vehicle title transfer guide. If the title cannot be found, see selling a car without a title.
New York vehicle transfer resources are informational source navigation. Confirm current DMV title forms, reservation requirements, lien release, plate surrender, registration, refund, ID, and fee requirements before signing or submitting paperwork.
Vehicle sources (7)
Sources for this page (10)
The facts above come from these official sources. Verify current details with the office before filing.
- nycourts.govhttps://www.nycourts.gov/help/when-someone-dies/probate-when-person-dies-will
- nycourts.govhttps://www.nycourts.gov/help/when-someone-dies/small-estate-when-person-dies-less-50000
- nycourts.govhttps://www.nycourts.gov/surrogates-court-forms
- nysenate.govhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SCP/1301
- nysenate.govhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SCP/2402
- nycourts.govhttps://www.nycourts.gov/find-court?field_court_type=201&topic=10011&topic_field_counties_topic_title_fulltext=Broome&wrapped=true
- websurrogates.nycourts.govhttps://websurrogates.nycourts.gov/Home/HomePage
- nysenate.govhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SCP/1802
- nysenate.govhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SCP/1803
- nysenate.govhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SCP/2208
You've seen what probate involves. Here's how to spare your own family.
A few simple steps (naming beneficiaries, a transfer-on-death deed where your state allows it, or a living trust) can keep your estate out of court.
See how to avoid probate in New YorkFrequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost in Broome County?
How long does probate take in Broome County?
Do I need an attorney for probate in Broome County?
More New York Resources
Explore the rest of the New York probate hub.
Start here
Do I need probate?5 pages
For the executor5 pages
Money and taxes5 pages
Family and inheritance5 pages
Transfer assets5 pages
File and learn5 pages
Verified against Broome County Surrogate's Court on June 3, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in New York can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.