New York Surrogate’s courts are bracing for a flood of coronavirus-related cases amid the pandemic — and will begin allowing some to go forward next week, officials announced Thursday.
Surrogate’s courts — where estate cases and wills are handled — stopped accepting filings in new and ongoing cases in late March when most court proceedings were halted, except for essential and emergency matters.
But on Thursday, New York Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks announced that COVID-19-related estate cases that are uncontested would be considered essential beginning Monday.
“Tragically, New York State has been overwhelmed by Coronavirus-related fatalities,” DiFiore said. “I have confidence that, by leveraging all resources, our Surrogate’s Courts are fully-prepared for the surge of cases involving individuals who passed away due to COVID-related causes, ensuring these matters are handled with special care and resolved as efficiently as possible.”
The New York State Bar Association, in partnership with the New York court system and other bar groups, is also working to develop a network of volunteer lawyers to help families with coronavirus-related cases who can’t afford to hire legal representation.
“The New York legal community has always risen to the task in times of crisis,” DiFiore said.
DiFiore also announced Wednesday that courts in 30 counties upstate are set to open with judges and staff returning to the courthouse buildings starting next Monday and Wednesday.