Overview
The Surrogate's Court hears cases relating to individuals who have passed away, including disagreements about wills and the proper way to manage or divide the estate (total assets and liabilities). Surrogate's courts are also authorized to handle adoptions.
Location
13 Eaton Avenue
Norwich, NY 13815
United States
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Matters returnable Monday and Fridays
Closed on State Holidays.
All visitors must pass through a magnetometer upon entering the court facilities.
Judge's Chambers
Surrogate Court Judge
Hon. Frank B. Revoir
Court Attorney
Claudette Y. Newman
Secretary
JoEllen Beadle
Phone: 607-371-7190
Fax: 607-240-5943
Court Clerk's Office
Chief Clerk
Candy Roys-Jones
Members of the public can now access WebSurrogate outside of a court facility to search Surrogate’s Court records from personal computers and mobile devices using the following link: https://websurrogates.nycourts.gov/
WebSurrogate will not have any links to document images for documents filed prior to 02/19/2014
About the Court
In New York State, the Surrogate's Court maintains jurisdiction over all actions and proceedings relating to the affairs of decedents. This includes the probate of wills (testate) and the administration of estates (intestate), voluntary administrations (small estates), ancillary proceedings, disputed claims, discovery proceedings, accountings, compromise and settlement of wrongful death actions, guardianships of the person and property of an infant (SCPA Article 17) and guardianships of persons with developmental disabilities (SCPA Article 17A).
Except where otherwise provided, the Surrogate Court is governed by the Surrogate Court Procedure Act (SCPA), the Estates, Powers and Trusts Laws (EPTL), the Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) and the Uniform Rules for Surrogate's Court (22N.Y.C.R.R ). If no provision is found therein, the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) and other pertinent laws shall apply. All proceedings are commenced by the filing of a petition. Personal jurisdiction is obtained over a party by service of process upon her/him, by his/her waiver of issuance of service of process, or by the party's appearance.
Notice to Self Represented Litigants
The Chenango County Surrogate’s Court ensures that self-represented litigants have clear and unencumbered access to the Court.
This office provides basic information to self-represented litigants on procedural matters; court rules and statutes. Some forms, instructions and informational brochures are available at court Additionally, forms can be found on this website.
Court personnel may provide information or explain court procedures and policies. However court personnel cannot advise a litigant whether to start a case, recommend which process or procedure to use or do legal research for litigants, self-represented or otherwise; nor can they assist you in filling out these forms and may not advise you as to wording or legal sufficiency. You must do your own legal research to determine the legal content of the forms.
Another possible resource is the Central New York Legal HelpLine (1.877-777-6152), a toll free call center open Monday through Friday 9:00 a m. to 3:00 p.m. This is available to persons residing (or with legal proceeding) in Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga. Oswego and Otsego Counties.
This office cannot provide you with legal advice.