Onondaga County Surrogate's Court Onondaga Surrogate's Court Self-Represented Litigants

The Onondaga County Surrogate’s Court, under the leadership of the Honorable Mary Keib Smith, Surrogate of Onondaga County, ensures that self-represented court users have clear and unencumbered access to the Onondaga County Surrogate’s Court.

This office provides information to self-represented court users on procedural matters, court rules and statutes. Uniform forms and instructions are available in the Surrogate’s Court Office located at Room 209.

Additional Resources: 

• The Volunteer Lawyer Project – You may be eligible to receive free legal assistance from the Volunteers Lawyer Project of Onondaga County.  Many matters may be resolved by a phone consultation or virtual meeting.  You may complete an online intake for at www.vlpcny.org/intake. The Surrogate’s Court Clinic is held bi-weekly with an in-person attorney.  All in-person consultations must be made by appointment.  Appointments may be made by calling the Surrogate’s Court Clinic directly at (315) 471-3409.
• Searchable list of official blank fillable forms for Surrogate’s Court may be found at NYCourts.gov website
• Please note there are “do it yourself” DIY forms for small estates, safe-deposit boxes and guardianships that assist in walking you through the process of completing the necessary forms.
• Onondaga County Law Library/Help Center – The law library and Help Center is located on the 5th floor of the old Onondaga County Courthouse located at 401 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, New York 13202.  A law librarian may assist you in researching legal issues.
• www.Nycourts.gov/courthelp - This Website contains helpful information regarding what to do when someone passes away.  This site has information on Small Estates, Probate, Administration and Guardianships.