Estates originating in Manhattan — from the Upper West Side to Tribeca — are administered through New York County Surrogate’s Court. Before your first court appearance, meeting with an attorney who practices exclusively before that bench makes the difference between a smooth process and costly delays.
Book a 30-minute consultation with Russel Morgan, Esq.
What We Cover in Your First Meeting
| Topic | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| Will validity & filing | Petition for Probate + original will + certified death certificate (SCPA §1414) |
| Interim authority | Preliminary Letters Testamentary available under SCPA §1412 |
| Timeline | ~3–6 months, uncontested |
| Court filing fee | Graduated by estate value — confirm current schedule under SCPA §2402 |
| Attorney fees | Typically $3,000–$10,000 depending on complexity |
| Small estates | SCPA Article 13 voluntary administration (personal property only) — see our Small Estate Affidavit guide |
| NY estate tax 2026 | Exclusion $7,350,000; cliff at $7,717,500 (105%) — review with counsel |
Related Resources on This Site
- Probate Overview
- Surrogate’s Court Guide — New York County
- Executor Duties & Letters Testamentary
- Contested Probate
Russel Morgan, Esq. represents families throughout New York City’s five boroughs before the respective county Surrogate’s Courts. Reserve your appointment now — no obligation.
Have a question about your estate?
Talk it through with Russel Morgan — free 30-minute consult.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: .