Surrogate
Hon. John S. Hall, Jr.

Chambers Staff
Court Attorney
Robert A. Smith, Esq.
Secretary to Judge Hall
Sharlene Taras

Court Staff
Chief Clerk
Deborah Ricci

The Surrogate's Court exists in every county in New York State and has jurisdiction over affairs of decedents, including probate, intestate, small estate and ancillary proceedings, disputed claims, discovery proceedings, accountings, compromise and settlement of wrongful death actions, inter vivos and  testamentary trusts, and adoptions. Guardianships of the person and  property of infants and of disabled persons are also handled by Surrogate's Court. This court shares authority with Family Court in hearing adoption proceedings.

All Warren County Surrogate's Court estate files from 1813 to present are available for public inspection on site in the office. Files prior to 1813 are found in Washington County Surrogate's Court.

All official Surrogate forms promulgated by the New York State Office of Court Administration are accepted in this county. Hot Docs of the New York State Bar Association are also accepted. Upon request, the Court will provide a set of forms, either on paper or on disk.

Surrogate's Court has its Special Term calendar on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month.

Office hours are daily, Mon - Fri, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Surrogate Court Forms
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