Nassau County Surrogate’s Court
Hon. David P. Sullivan
Surrogate’s Court Judge · Nassau County, New York · 10th Judicial District
What Is the Surrogate’s Court Judge?
In New York, each county has its own Surrogate’s Court, presided over by a single elected judge. Unlike most other judges, the Surrogate has jurisdiction over a very specific area of law: what happens to a person’s assets, property, and minor beneficiaries after they die.
When you file a petition to probate a will, apply for Letters of Administration, or seek guardianship of a child who has inherited an estate, your case will ultimately be decided by — or adjudicated under the authority of — the Surrogate.
Probate (Testate Estates)
The Surrogate rules on whether a will is valid, appoints Executors, and oversees distribution to named beneficiaries.
Administration (Intestate)
When someone dies without a will, the Surrogate appoints an Administrator and ensures distribution according to intestacy laws.
Guardianship of Minors
When a child under 18 inherits property, the Surrogate appoints a Guardian of the Property to manage assets.
Contested Matters
The Surrogate presides over will contests, compulsory accountings, petitions to revoke Letters, and other disputes.
How the Surrogate Is Selected
In New York, the Surrogate is an elected position — not an appointed one. Nassau County voters elect the Surrogate to a 14-year term, one of the longest judicial terms in New York State, designed to insulate the court from political pressure.
Unlike federal judges, who serve for life, the Nassau County Surrogate is directly accountable to the voters. Candidates are evaluated by the Nassau County Bar Association, which assigns ratings such as "Well Qualified," "Qualified," or "Not Qualified." Judge Sullivan received the Well Qualified rating.
Career & Judicial History
Hon. David P. Sullivan brings more than two decades of judicial experience — having served across Nassau County’s criminal, family, and civil court systems before taking the bench as Surrogate.
Surrogate's Court Judge — Nassau CountyCurrent
Presiding over all probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters in Nassau County.
NY Supreme Court Justice — 10th Judicial District
Elected 2020. Also served as presiding judge in Nassau County's Felony Drug Treatment Court.
County Court Judge (2nd Term) & Acting Supreme Court Justice
Re-elected to Nassau County Court. Served simultaneously as District Court Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice.
Supervising Judge — Nassau County Justice Courts
Oversaw administration and operations of Nassau County's network of local Justice Courts.
County Court Judge (1st Term) & Acting Family Court Judge
First joined the bench. Also served as Acting Nassau County Family Court Judge and Associate Village Justice of New Hyde Park.
Assistant District Attorney & Village Justice
Began career as an Assistant District Attorney in Nassau County. Served as Village Justice of New Hyde Park.
Education & Bar Admissions
Fordham University School of Law
Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1988. One of New York's most respected law schools, with a strong foundation in public interest and civic law.
Fordham College
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics, 1985. A dual-discipline background reflecting analytical rigor alongside legal reasoning.
New York State Bar
Admitted 1989. Licensed to practice law throughout New York State courts.
Federal Courts
Admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District (S.D.N.Y.) and Eastern District (E.D.N.Y.) of New York.
Awards & Recognition
Community Involvement
What This Means for Your Case
If you have a matter before the Nassau County Surrogate’s Court — a probate filing, a petition for Letters of Administration, or a guardianship application — your case will be processed by the court’s clerks and examiners under the authority of Judge Sullivan’s court.
You will not typically appear before the Judge directly unless your matter is contested (e.g., a will contest, compulsory accounting, or revocation of letters). Routine uncontested proceedings are handled administratively by court staff.
The court is located at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501. For department contacts, phone numbers, and hours, see our Departments Directory.
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