Surrogate's Court - New York County

About This Court

New York County Surrogate's Court in Manhattan handles probate, estate administration, guardianship, and adoption proceedings at the landmark Chambers Street courthouse.

Manhattan Surrogate's Court handles some of the largest and most complex estate cases in the state. It has its own Transcription Request Form and a dedicated transcript email address. The court uses a mix of digital and stenographic recording. Given the complexity of estates handled here, transcript requests may involve lengthy proceedings and multi-day hearings.

Proceedings are recorded using a mix of digital and stenographic methods. Audio is not provided to the public. Digitally recorded proceedings are sent to an approved vendor for transcription.

Who Can Request

Executors, administrators, estate attorneys, beneficiaries, and interested parties may request transcripts. Probate records are generally public. Certain guardianship and adoption records may have access restrictions.

What You Can Request

• Certified transcript: Yes. Official transcripts are available.
• Audio copy: No. Audio recordings are not provided to litigants.
• On-site listening: Not available.

Recording method: Mixed (digital audio and stenographic)

What You Need (Data Checklist)

• Case name and index/docket number
• Date(s) of the proceeding
• Judge's name and courtroom/part (if known)
• Your contact information (name, phone, address)
• Selected transcription vendor from the approved list

Court-Specific Process

1. Complete the New York County Surrogate's Court Transcription Request Form with the file number, hearing date, and judge or referee name.
2. Submit by email to the dedicated transcript email address, by mail, or in person at the Chambers Street courthouse.
3. For digitally recorded proceedings, the court forwards the recording to your chosen OCA-approved vendor. For stenographic proceedings, the assigned reporter produces the transcript.
4. Pay the vendor or reporter and receive the transcript upon completion.

Fees & Timing

Vendor rates are $1.00-$3.50 per page; court reporter rates follow statute. Complex estate matters with lengthy hearings can result in substantial total costs. Standard turnaround is 30-60 days, but multi-day proceedings take longer. Fee waivers are available through UCS forms.

Common Pitfalls

Before You Submit

Required Forms

Fee Waiver (Poor Person Relief)

Fee waiver may be requested for transcript costs

To apply for a fee waiver, you'll need these forms:

• Application to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FW1)
• Notice of Motion to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FW2)
• Affirmation of Service (Motion to Waive Fees) (UCS-FW3)
• Order – Application to Waive Court Costs, Fees, and Expenses (UCS-FWO1)