Which action is NOT typically part of a clerk's handling of a motion in Surrogate's Court?

• A. The clerk schedules a hearing.
• B. The clerk reviews the motion for compliance with notices.
• C. The clerk personally grants the motion without judge.
• D. The clerk files all documents.

Answer: (C)

In Surrogate’s Court, a clerk handles motions in an administrative, processing role rather than deciding them. The key idea is that the clerk supports the motion through the docket, not through granting relief.

Scheduling a hearing is a typical task because the clerk sets the calendar, notifies parties, and ensures the matter appears on the court’s docket. Reviewing the motion for compliance with notices is also standard; the clerk checks that service and notice requirements are met so the process is proper and timely. Filing all documents is part of maintaining the court file and the official record, ensuring everything is organized and accessible.

Granting the motion without a judge is not typically part of the clerk’s duties because the actual decision to grant or deny a motion is a judicial act performed by the judge after review of the submitted materials. A clerk can prepare, move the process along, and flag issues, but the authority to grant relief rests with the judge, not with the clerk.