N.Y. Surrogate's Court Procedure Act § 203: Jurisdiction of parties and subject matter The court obtains jurisdiction in every case to make a decree or other determination by the ex...

§ 203. Jurisdiction of parties and subject matter

The court obtains jurisdiction in every case to make a decree or other

determination by the existence of the jurisdictional facts prescribed by

statute.

The jurisdiction of the court is exercised by the commencement of a

proceeding in the court. All proceedings are special proceedings and are

commenced by filing a petition. Personal jurisdiction of parties is

obtained by service of process upon the parties or by submission to the

jurisdiction of the court by waiver of issuance and service of process,

appearance of an adult competent party in person or by attorney or by

pleading.