Last reviewed May 19, 2026
People searching for Surrogate's Court costs are usually trying to understand the difference between a court filing fee and the total cost of handling an estate.
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These guides use generic examples only. They do not include client names, case names, file numbers, private property addresses, or facts from any private matter.
The filing fee is only one part of the cost picture. Court fees can change, local payment rules can vary, and complex estates can involve additional costs.
Court filing fees are separate from document-preparation fees, attorney fees, process server fees, certified copies, appraisals, tax filings, title work, and closing costs.
| Estate value | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | $45 |
| $10,000 but under $20,000 | $75 |
| $20,000 but under $50,000 | $215 |
| $50,000 but under $100,000 | $280 |
| $100,000 but under $250,000 | $420 |
| $250,000 but under $500,000 | $625 |
| $500,000 and over | $1,250 |
A small estate, also called voluntary administration, has a much lower filing fee. New York CourtHelp describes the small estate filing fee as $1.00.
After the court appoints a fiduciary, the estate may need certificates or certified copies to show banks, title companies, transfer agents, or other institutions. Public court guidance commonly lists a certificate fee of $6.00 each.
If waivers and consents are not signed, a citation may need to be served. Service can create additional costs, including process server fees, certified mail, postage, affidavits of service, and extra copies.
Some administrators or guardians may be required to post a bond. Bond premiums vary based on the amount of the bond, the applicant's credit and background, and the bonding company.
The New York Tax Department states there is no fee for a release of estate tax lien. That means there is no Tax Department fee for ET-117 itself.
Preparing the release request can still involve costs, including document preparation, deed research, tax review, title company coordination, mailing, and professional review. Because ET-117 timing can affect real estate closings, the practical cost of delay can be more important than the form fee.
Use these points as a quick summary after reading the guide.
Keystone Pinnacle Pro can help prepare organized packets and cost checklists so users understand the documents, likely filing category, and missing information before submission.
These search phrases help people find the right guide, but the page itself is written for users who need practical context.
These pages connect the county, form category, cost, and support document questions users often search together.
Court forms, filing practices, fees, hours, and tax instructions can change. Use these sources to verify the current rule.
Keystone Pinnacle Pro is built to ask factual questions: names, dates, addresses, family relationships, assets, debts, notices, signatures, and filing details. It does not ask users to choose legal strategy, interpret legal rights, decide who should object, or answer questions that require legal advice. If a question turns on legal judgment, the user should confirm requirements with the Surrogate's Court or speak with an attorney.
Use the Forms page to see whether a packet is self-serve, available for self checkout or Staff Guided preparation.
