What if a citation must be served by publication?

Service by publication under SCPA 307 requires a court order permitting it. We handle personal service; for publication orders, consult your attorney and contact us about coordinating the personal service components alongside any publication requirement.

Can you serve a citation on an out-of-state beneficiary?

Yes, through our nationwide network of vetted partners. Request a quote for out-of-state service and we will coordinate.

How long does a citation remain valid?

Surrogate's Court citations typically have a fixed return date. Service must be completed a specified number of days before that return date. Contact us early so we have sufficient time.

Process Serving

Serve Citations in New York

Citations are court-issued papers directing a party to appear or respond in a legal proceeding, commonly used in Surrogate's Court matters involving estates, guardianships, and trusts. Proper service of a citation is required before a proceeding can move forward, and the Surrogate's Court has specific rules on who must be cited and how.

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What we do

How we handle citations

We serve citations issued by the Surrogate's Court and other New York courts on named respondents, beneficiaries, or interested parties at residential or business addresses. Service is completed in accordance with SCPA requirements, with a notarized affidavit returned to you for filing.

Timeline

Standard service is completed in 3 to 7 business days. Citation return dates may be 20 to 30 or more days from issuance, but tight probate schedules benefit from early submission.

Pricing

Residential service in NYC and Long Island starts at $135. Statewide individual service starts at $175. Corporate or entity service is $115 statewide. All tiers include a notarized affidavit.

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FAQ

Questions about serving citations

What if a citation must be served by publication?: Service by publication under SCPA 307 requires a court order permitting it. We handle personal service; for publication orders, consult your attorney and contact us about coordinating the personal service components alongside any publication requirement.
Can you serve a citation on an out-of-state beneficiary?: Yes, through our nationwide network of vetted partners. Request a quote for out-of-state service and we will coordinate.
How long does a citation remain valid?: Surrogate's Court citations typically have a fixed return date. Service must be completed a specified number of days before that return date. Contact us early so we have sufficient time.

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