When a loved one passes away in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island, the road through New York County Surrogate’s Court can feel overwhelming. Morgan Legal Group — led by Russel Morgan, Esq. — guides executors, administrators, and distributees through every stage of the probate process in New York City.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Original will (if any) | Required to open a probate proceeding under SCPA §1414 |
| Certified death certificate | Triggers jurisdiction at New York County Surrogate’s Court |
| List of known assets & debts | Shapes the executor’s collection and payment duties — see executor duties |
| Names of all distributees | Needed for waiver/consent or citation service |
| Estate value estimate | Determines court filing fees (graduated under SCPA §2402) and potential NY estate tax exposure (2026 exclusion: $7,350,000; cliff at $7,717,500) |
For smaller estates, our team will assess whether voluntary administration under SCPA Article 13 applies — a faster, lower-cost path that bypasses full probate. If the will is disputed, we handle contested matters before the New York County Surrogate’s Court as well.
Uncontested probate in New York City typically resolves in three to six months. Attorney fees generally range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on complexity.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq.:
External resources: NY Surrogate’s Court information (nycourts.gov) · SCPA full text (nysenate.gov) · NY estate tax (tax.ny.gov)
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: ways to keep an estate out of probate.