Staten Island may be the smallest of New York City's five boroughs, but its residents face the same estate planning and probate challenges as any other New Yorker. The Richmond County Surrogate's Court handles all estate and guardianship matters for Staten Island residents, and its convenient location across from the ferry terminal makes it one of the more accessible courthouses in the city. This page covers everything you need to know about the court and how the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy can assist Staten Island families.
Where Is the Richmond County Surrogate's Court Located?
Located on Richmond Terrace directly across the street from the Staten Island Ferry terminal. This is one of the most conveniently located courthouses in New York City for ferry commuters — the building is visible from the ferry terminal exit.
| Address | 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (718) 675-8500 |
| Jurisdiction | Serves all residents of Staten Island, New York |
Hours of Operation
The court is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Filing windows typically close at 4:00 PM, so it is recommended to arrive well before closing if you need to submit documents. The court is closed on all New York State and federal holidays.
How to Get to the Staten Island Surrogate's Court from Other Boroughs
From Manhattan
Take the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ride is free and takes approximately 25 minutes. Upon arriving at the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island, the courthouse at 18 Richmond Terrace is directly across the street — a one-minute walk.
From Brooklyn
Take the S53 or S93 bus from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, which connects to the St. George Ferry Terminal area. Alternatively, drive via the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge and take the Staten Island Expressway toward St. George. From the terminal, the courthouse is steps away.
From Queens
Take the subway to Whitehall Street or South Ferry in Manhattan, then board the Staten Island Ferry. From Queens, the most direct route involves the A or R train into Lower Manhattan to connect to the ferry. Total travel time from most of Queens is approximately 60–75 minutes.
From The Bronx
Travel to Lower Manhattan via the 4/5 train to Bowling Green, then walk to the Whitehall Terminal to board the Staten Island Ferry. Total travel time from the Bronx is approximately 75–90 minutes. The ferry ride itself is a scenic 25-minute crossing.
What Can Be Done at This Surrogate's Court?
The Richmond County Surrogate's Court handles a wide range of estate and guardianship matters for Staten Island residents. Below is an overview of the most common proceedings handled here:
- Probate of wills for Staten Island residents
- Administration of estates for those who died intestate
- Appointment of executors, administrators, and trustees
- Guardianship proceedings for minors and incapacitated adults
- Trust and fiduciary accountings
- Small estate voluntary administration
- Contested will and estate litigation proceedings
- Discovery and asset proceedings related to Staten Island estates
Whether the estate is straightforward or involves contested claims, guardianship disputes, or complex trust structures, having an experienced attorney navigate the process can save significant time, cost, and stress.
Judges & Administration
Visit the official court page for more information →
How the Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy Can Help You
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy — and navigating the legal system that follows can feel overwhelming. The Law Offices of Vlad Portnoy has extensive experience helping Staten Island families through every stage of the estate and probate process, from filing the initial petition at the Richmond County Surrogate's Court to final distribution of assets.
Our attorneys handle:
- Estate Planning: drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family before a crisis arises
- Probate & Estate Administration: guiding executors and administrators through the court process efficiently and correctly
- Elder Law: planning strategies to protect assets, access benefits, and preserve quality of life as clients age
- Medicaid Planning: structuring finances to qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care without losing a lifetime of savings
- Guardianship: assisting families in establishing legal guardianship for loved ones who can no longer make decisions independently
- Trust Administration: helping trustees fulfill their fiduciary duties and navigate trust accountings when required by the court
We work with clients throughout New York City, including Staten Island, and understand the specific procedures and expectations of the Richmond County Surrogate's Court. Our team is here to make a difficult process as smooth and clear as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have questions about a probate matter, need to open an estate, or want to put proper estate planning in place before it becomes urgent, we are here to help. The sooner planning begins, the more options your family has.