What is the primary role of the Surrogate's Court Clerk in the probate process?

• A. To receive, docket, stamp, file petitions and related documents, schedule hearings and appearances, issue and track orders, notices, and ensure proper service and recordkeeping.
• B. To draft wills and codicils for decedents.
• C. To administer estates and distribute assets.
• D. To provide legal representation to heirs.

Answer: (A)

In probate, the Surrogate's Court Clerk's primary function is administrative support for the filing and progression of cases. This includes receiving petitions, stamping and filing documents, docketing and scheduling hearings, issuing and tracking orders and notices, ensuring proper service to interested parties, and maintaining accurate records. All of these tasks keep the process orderly and ensure timely progress and a complete paper trail for the court.

Drafting wills and codicils is not the clerk’s duty; those are prepared by the decedent or an attorney. Administering estates and distributing assets is the responsibility of the executor or administrator under court supervision. Providing legal representation to heirs is the role of attorneys, not court clerks.