Which document initiates a surrogate's court proceeding by bringing a party under the court's jurisdiction?

• A. Citation
• B. Subpoena
• C. Order to Show Cause
• D. Writ

Answer: (A)

Bringing a party under the court’s authority in a surrogate’s court matter is accomplished by serving a citation. The citation serves as the formal notice that ties the party to the proceedings and commands their appearance, allowing the court to exercise jurisdiction over them so the matter can move forward. While a petition initiates the probate or protective aspects of the case, the citation is the instrument that actually brings the interested person under the court’s control and compels participation.

Subpoenas compel appearance or production for other proceedings and don’t by themselves initiate a surrogate’s court case. An order to show cause is an expedited directive used to obtain quick relief when a petition is already in play, not the document that first brings someone into the court’s jurisdiction for the proceeding. A writ is a broad category of court orders but is not the standard initiation instrument for a surrogate’s court matter.