2026 New York General Election

Rita Mella

Alejandra Gracias

Rita Mella was born and raised in Santo Domingo and moved to New York City in the 1980s. She earned a law degree from the City University of New York Law School in 1991.

Rita Mella | The City College of New York - CUNY

Rita Mella previously worked as a court attorney and law clerk for judges in the Kings County Family, Civil, Supreme, Surrogate's, and Criminal Courts.

Rita was elected to the Civil Court in 2006.

Served as a court attorney and law clerk for Kings County judges in Family, Civil, Supreme, Surrogate's, and Criminal Courts through 2006.

Legal Experience

Believes judges must be independent, impartial, and free from partisan or parochial concerns.

Believes courts earn public respect by treating people with dignity and applying laws consistently, fairly, and with respect.

Judicial Philosophy

## Motions Before Surrogate Rita Mella

For noticing motions and setting their returned date at a calendar before Surrogate Mella, please use the “Notice of Motion” template provided below. Instructions for using the template are included in it.

The use of this template will assist the court’s staff in efficiently and promptly processing and calendaring motions. There may be delays if a litigant files a motion without using the appropriate template.

Surrogate Mella's Process for Filing Motions in New York County Surrogate's Court | New York Courts

Prioritizes efficient court operations, faster review, and improved public service.

Plans to make Surrogate's Court more accessible to lawyers and the public.

Proposes a court website with case information in several languages to expand access.

Directs litigants to use a motion-notice template to support prompt processing and scheduling.

- Directs litigants to use a motion-notice template to support prompt processing and scheduling.

Judicial Administration

As of October 15, 2026, Rita Mella’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

-  The Surrogate's Court can hear cases related to establishing the validity of wills, the administration of estates, and adoptions.
- Each of New York's 62 counties has one surrogate judge, except New York County and Kings County which have two each.
- Surrogate judges serve 10-year terms, except in the five counties of New York City, where they serve 14-year terms.
- Surrogate judges are elected countywide and required to be residents of the county they serve.
- Their salaries range from $119,800 to $136,700 depending on the county.

Oversees probate, estate administration, and adoptions.

New York Surrogate Court Judge

Candidates (1)