Richmond County Surrogate’s Court serves every probate matter originating on Staten Island — from St. George and Stapleton to Tottenville and Great Kills. Whether you are opening an estate in a contested will dispute or filing a simple small estate affidavit for a modest account, the path through Surrogate’s Court demands precision from the very first filing.
What We Cover in Your Consultation
During your 30-minute appointment with attorney Russel Morgan, Esq., we review the specific facts of your estate and map a clear strategy:
| Topic | Key Law / Detail |
|---|---|
| Will validation & executor appointment | SCPA §1414 — Letters Testamentary |
| Interim executor authority | SCPA §1412 — Preliminary Letters Testamentary |
| Jurisdiction over distributees | Waiver, consent, or citation |
| Court filing fees | Graduated by estate value (SCPA §2402) |
| Small estate shortcut | SCPA Article 13 voluntary administration (personal property only) |
| NY estate tax exposure | 2026 exclusion $7,350,000; cliff at $7,717,500 |
Uncontested probate typically resolves in 3–6 months; attorney fees generally range $3,000–$10,000 depending on complexity. Learn more about the full process in our probate overview and Surrogate’s Court guide.
Book Your Appointment
Schedule with Russel Morgan, Esq. →
Questions first? Review executor duties or contested probate before your call.
Further reading from Morgan Legal Group: when you should bring in a probate attorney.