Queens Probate & Estate Attorney
We regularly represent Queens families in the Queens County Surrogate's Court in Jamaica, with convenient offices minutes away in Brooklyn and Manhasset.
Probate and administration in Queens County
Whether your loved one left a will or died intestate, we prepare and file the necessary Surrogate's Court petitions, obtain letters, marshal assets, resolve creditor claims, and bring the estate to an orderly close.
Estate planning for Queens homeowners
From Forest Hills co-ops to two-family homes in Bayside, we build plans that keep Queens real estate out of probate and minimize New York estate tax exposure.
Kinship and turnover proceedings
When family trees span continents — as they often do in Queens — establishing kinship can be the hardest part of an estate. We assemble the documentary proof and testimony needed to secure distributions, and pursue turnover proceedings when estate assets are in the wrong hands.
A practice that speaks your language
Queens is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world. Our firm serves Spanish- and Russian-speaking clients in their native language, and we work respectfully with families of every background.
How probate filing works at the Queens County Surrogate's Court
Queens probate is filed with the Queens County Surrogate's Court at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. The clerk's window expects the original will, a certified copy of the death certificate, and a verified probate petition listing every distributee and their addresses — including relatives overseas, which is common in Queens and must be handled carefully. The filing fee follows SCPA 2402: $45 for estates under $10,000, rising through the $215, $280, $420 and $625 brackets to $1,250 for estates of $500,000 or more. Distributees who cooperate sign waivers and consents; those who cannot be located or will not sign are formally cited, with special procedures for relatives abroad. When jurisdiction is complete, the court admits the will and issues letters testamentary to the executor.
Small estates: the $50,000 shortcut
If a Queens decedent's personal property is worth $50,000 or less and no real estate passes under the will, the estate may qualify for voluntary administration under SCPA Article 13 — a small-estate shortcut that skips full probate. The affidavit is filed with the Queens County Surrogate's Court at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, and the court issues a certificate for each asset so the voluntary administrator can collect it directly from the bank or employer. The cap counts personal property only: a two-family house passing to a surviving joint owner does not spoil eligibility. For modest estates this route saves both time and nearly all of the filing fee, and we routinely check for it before opening a full proceeding on a family's behalf.
Getting to us / getting to court
The Queens County Surrogate's Court sits at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica, a short walk from the Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av station on the E, J and Z trains and from the LIRR's Jamaica hub — one of the easiest courthouses in the city to reach by transit. Queens clients meet with us by appointment at whichever office is more convenient: Brooklyn at 2102 Avenue Z, Suite 305, near the Sheepshead Bay station on the B and Q, or Manhasset at 1129 Northern Boulevard, Suite 404, near the LIRR's Manhasset station for eastern Queens neighborhoods. Phone and video meetings are available, and in most probate matters we appear at the courthouse ourselves so that you do not have to.
Your local Surrogate's Court
Queens County Surrogate's Court — 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435. Queens probate matters are filed at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. Queens is among the most diverse counties in America — estates commonly involve heirs abroad, foreign wills, and two-family homes; our team works in English, Spanish, and Russian and coordinates apostilles and consular documents.
Neighborhoods we serve
Forest Hills · Rego Park · Kew Gardens · Flushing · Bayside · Astoria · Jackson Heights · Fresh Meadows · Howard Beach · Jamaica Estates
Visit or call us
Brooklyn office: 2102 Avenue Z, Suite 305, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: +1 212 518 3868 · Email: ms@schwartsmanlaw.com
Our services in this area
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning, and why is it important?
Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive plan to manage and distribute your assets in the event of incapacity or death. It ensures that your wishes are honored, protects your loved ones, and minimizes potential legal disputes. Proper estate planning can also help reduce tax liabilities and simplify the estate administration process.
What is the purpose of a trust in estate planning?
A trust is a legal entity that holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. It allows for greater control over how assets are managed and distributed, even after your passing. Trusts can be useful for minimizing estate taxes, avoiding probate, and providing for beneficiaries with specific needs or circumstances.
What is the role of an executor in estate administration?
An executor, also known as a personal representative, is the person named in a will and appointed by the Surrogate's Court to carry out the instructions of the deceased during the estate administration process. Their responsibilities include managing assets, paying debts and taxes, distributing property to beneficiaries, and handling legal matters related to the estate.
Can I contest a will if I believe it is invalid or unfair?
Yes, you can contest a will if you have valid legal grounds to do so. Common reasons for contesting a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or a mistake in the will's execution. Contesting a will can be complex, so it's essential to seek advice from an experienced trusts and estates attorney.
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Protect What You've Built
Schedule your free consultation today. Meet us in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Manhasset — or by phone or video.
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