Which statement describes a Petition?

• A. A verified application requesting action upon a matter or relief provided for in the estates, powers and trusts law or this act.
• B. A writ of execution
• C. A notice of hearing
• D. A grant of letters of guardianship

Answer: (A)

A Petition in Surrogate’s Court practice is a verified written application asking the court to take action or grant relief authorized by the estates, powers and trusts law or the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act. It’s the formal pleading that starts a proceeding, outlining who is filing, what relief is sought, and the factual basis for the request (sworn to as true). This distinguishes it from other documents: a writ of execution enforces a judgment after one exists; a notice of hearing simply informs parties about a forthcoming hearing; and a grant of letters of guardianship is the court’s order issued after the petition and related proceedings establish guardianship, not the filing itself. In estates matters, petitions initiate things like probate, administration, guardianship, or related relief.