The Manhattan Surrogates

Role of the Surrogate

A Surrogate is a judge of New York's Surrogate's Court — a specialized court that handles matters related to the estates of deceased persons. This includes probating wills, administering intestate estates, guardianship of minors who inherit property, and adoptions.

In most New York counties, there is a single Surrogate. New York County (Manhattan) — one of the most populous counties in the state — is served by two Surrogates. Surrogates in New York are elected and serve 14-year terms.

Hon. Hilary Gingold

Education

• B.S.W. — Adelphi University School of Social Work (1982)
• J.D.— St. John's University School of Law

Judicial Career

Judge Gingold began her career as a social worker with Catholic Charities before attending law school. After more than 25 years in private practice specializing in trusts & estates, guardianship, and real estate, she served as a principal law clerk to Supreme Court justices starting in 2011. She was elected to the New York City Civil Court in 2019 and assigned to Kings County Criminal Court. She won the June 28, 2022 Democratic primary and the November 8, 2022 general election for New York County Surrogate.

Background

Judge Gingold is a lifelong New Yorker and Manhattan resident. She has been married for over 38 years and has two adult children. Her experience as a social worker with senior citizens directly influenced her compassionate approach to estate and guardianship matters.

Hon. Rita Mella

Education

• B.A.— Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (Santo Domingo)
• J.D. — CUNY School of Law (1991)

Judicial Career

Judge Mella was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and moved to the United States at age 22, settling in Washington Heights in 1986. She served as a law clerkto Hon. Richard Rivera at Kings County Supreme Court (1993–2002) and to Hon. Margarita López Torres at Kings County Surrogate's Court (through 2006). She was elected to the Civil Court of the City of New York, New York County in 2007 and assigned to Criminal Court. She was elected New York County Surrogate in 2012 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Hon. Kristin Booth Glen.

Historic Distinction

Judge Mella is the first Latina elected to preside over the New York County Surrogate's Court.

Court Calendar

New York County Surrogate's Court matters are distributed between the two Surrogates. For up-to-date calendar information for both Surrogates, contact the court directly.

Court phone: (646) 386-5000

Address: 31 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007

Recent History

Before the current Surrogates, New York County was served by Hon. Kristin Booth Glen, who served as Surrogate until her retirement. Judge Glen was succeeded by Judge Mella, who was elected in 2012 to fill the vacancy. Judge Gingold was elected in 2022 and took office in January 2023.

New York County Surrogate's Court is located in the historic Hall of Records building at 31 Chambers Street, which has served as the court's home since 1907.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Surrogate judge do?

A Surrogate presides over all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including probating wills, administering intestate estates, guardianship of minors who inherit property, adoptions, and disputes between heirs. The Surrogate has the final say on matters like who is appointed executor or administrator, whether a will is valid, and how assets are distributed.

Why does Manhattan have two Surrogates?

Most New York counties have a single Surrogate. However, counties with higher caseloads may have more than one. New York County (Manhattan) is one of the most populous counties in New York, and the volume of estate matters justifies two Surrogates.

Can I choose which Surrogate hears my case?

No. Cases are assigned by the court. You cannot select which Surrogate will preside over your matter.

How are Surrogates elected in New York?

Surrogates in New York are elected by popular vote and serve 14-year terms. They are judicial officers — not appointed.