Suffolk County Surrogate's Court

The process to expedite any type of will or estate is complicated. It's also time consuming and expensive. The average citizen will not know how to go about the process nor should they be expected to. That's why the court has a number to call which they call a "helpline". But it's really the opposite of a helpline. I'm going through a lengthy estate process. There's a lot of forms to file and it's extremely complicated. It's a learning process and there will be many things you come across that you will have to learn through research, trial, and error. If you want help from the people who work in the court whose job it is to provide some measure of help you won't get it. Let me be fair though. I did speak with one gentleman and one woman who took the time to help me and explain things. They were courteous and understanding. That's out of six different people I've spoken to in the process of trying to complete an estate matter. One woman I asked if she could tell me what one phrase on a form meant it was some legal administrative type jargon and she just flat out said no. No reason just no. The rest tried to get me off the phone as soon as they picked it up. And while they're rushing you off they're rude. They treat you like you're an idiot. Now you might say they're really busy. Possible. But I've been to the court in person because they make it so hard to get any information over the phone and the three times I went there during the week, it was late morning, there was barely a soul in sight, by that I mean "customers" looking for help. There was no line at all a good thing yes and the phones were not ringing off the hook. But despite that, the woman who I encountered at the desk where all I was doing was submitting a form was rude. I asked her ONE question and you'd have thought I asked her to hand over her first born child. And there was no one else waiting. She was just standing there. I've spoken to administrative judicial officials outside of Long Island and NYC and they're patient and helpful. I don't know what's wrong with these people. And I'm sorry for the few that do try to help and show some common decency to people, many of whom are trying to complete something that's complicated, time consuming, and costly and that usually has to do with a stressful event in their life.

Miss Betty Harris was wonderful and knowledgeable. She gave me what I needed and sent me to the next place I needed to go. I gave 4 stars because I was sent away to wait for her to come back from lunch. I find it hard to believe that she was the only one there that could help me check if a will was probated.

Person answering calls is very rude and not helpful... I have called twice now and been super kind, and was hit with pure rudeness and a rush to get off the phone. In Harris county in Houston, TX... there is not even the slightest issue with that.. maybe they are just ahead, but it is truly one of the worst probate type systems I have seen.

They are helpful in directing you to what you need to do. However they are not attorneys. But you will be able to do what's necessary without an attorney.

I just spoke 6/5/190 @ 11:35am to a guy in Administration Department and he's really rude. I hope this is not this court is all about. I don't usually deal with this court but I would prefer not to deal with Administration Department again.

Backwood primitive Surrogate Court System in Riverhead NY to let the abusive Parent with puppy tears manipulate the system There is an Oath for truth and justice and the American way..

If your a farther you will be up against great bias forces with the new judge on the bench

The most rude bunch of slackers I have ever encountered.

THIS Court ..in MY opinion..is thed "MOST POWERFUL" of ALL Courts...I HAVE EVER encountered...AND THEIR Judge The Honorable Judge Czygier is the BEST!

Why offer a phone number or any type of assistance when no one will answer the phone or give a direct answer or lead