New York City has a Surrogate's Court in each borough. For Manhattan (New York County), the court is located at 31 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007. You can contact the Chief Clerk's office at 646-386-5000.

Several reputable firms specialize in estate planning in NYC, including:
• Grant, Herrmann, Schwartz & Klinger, L.L.P.
• Moses & Singer LLP
• Abrams Fensterman LLP
These firms are recognized for their expertise in trusts and estates law.

The cost of drafting a will in NYC varies based on complexity and the attorney's fees. Typically, attorney-assisted wills range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Online will-making platforms offer more affordable options, ranging from free to a few hundred dollars, but may lack personalization.

New York City residents can access free estate planning resources through city-sponsored legal clinics and nonprofit organizations. These services assist with wills and probate matters.

Creating a will online can be an efficient and affordable option, but it’s essential to choose a platform that meets New York legal requirements.

Popular will maker platforms in Texas include:
• LegalZoom – Guided questionnaire for a Texas-compliant will
• Quicken WillMaker – Customizable will-drafting software
• Rocket Lawyer – Online will drafting with attorney consultations
• Trust & Will – Texas-specific will templates with signing instructions
• FreeWill – Generates a simple will PDF at no cost
• BetterEstate – Free digital consultation with flexible Texas will creation

For a full comparison, see our 2025 Will Maker Review.

In Manhattan, the Surrogate's Court judges are Hon. Rita Mella and Hon. Hilary Gingold.

You can store your will in a safe deposit box at a bank, with your attorney, or file it with the Surrogate's Court for safekeeping. It's essential to inform your executor of its location.

To initiate probate in NYC, you must file a petition with the Surrogate's Court in the decedent's county. Filing fees vary based on the estate's value, ranging from $45 for estates under $10,000 to $1,250 for estates over $500,000. Additional costs may include attorney fees and other administrative expenses.

The probate process in NYC typically takes several months to over a year, depending on estate complexity, will contests, and court caseload. Simple estates may be settled within 7-9 months, while more complex cases can extend beyond a year.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the guide provided by the City Bar Justice Center.

Check out our in-depth blog post on estate planning in New York, with a special focus on finding the right NYC will lawyer. We also have a detailed guide on how to make a will in New York, covering key state-specific rules.