2026 New York General Election

Nelida Malave Gonzalez

Alejandra Gracias

Nelida Malave Gonzalez is a Bronx native. She graduated from Fordham University and earned a law degree from CUNY Law School at Queens College.

Interview with Hon. Nelida Malave-Gonzalez & David Giller

Nelida previously worked in private practice as a general-practice attorney in Bronx County and also served as an administrative law judge on the New York City Environmental Control Board in the Bronx.

Nelida was elected Bronx Surrogate, and her term began on January 2, 2013.

Was appointed acting Supreme Court justice in 2011.

Worked for 13 years in private practice as a general-practice attorney, representing clients in family, housing, criminal, surrogate’s, civil, and supreme courts.

Served as an administrative law judge on the New York City Environmental Control Board, conducting hearings on quality-of-life issues for Bronx residents.

Ruled in Estate of Huertas that a surviving spouse was entitled to a share of New York City Employees’ Retirement System benefits despite a third-party beneficiary designation.

Legal Experience

As of October 15, 2026, Nelida Malave Gonzalez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Philosophy

## Help Center For Unrepresented Court Users

The Surrogate’s Court Help Center, under the leadership of the Honorable Nelida Malavé-Gonzalez, Surrogate of Bronx County, assists self-represented parties so they can have clear and unencumbered access to the Court. The Help Center provides basic information on procedural matters, court rules and statutes. Some forms and informational brochures are also available.

Bronx County Surrogate's Court | New York Courts

It is the mission of Bronx County Surrogate's Court to continue its long tradition of serving all court users in a professional and respectful manner, bearing in mind they may have recently experienced the loss of a loved one or require assistance for a special needs family member.

Our Surrogate, the Honorable Nelida Malavé-Gonzalez , recognizes the efforts of the court's employees and, through her leadership, resolves to foster the staff's dedication and professionalism.

Leads a Surrogate’s Court Help Center that provides self-represented court users with procedural information, court rules, statutes, forms, and brochures.

Works to foster dedication and professionalism among court staff.

- Leads a Surrogate’s Court Help Center that provides self-represented court users with procedural information, court rules, statutes, forms, and brochures.
- Works to foster dedication and professionalism among court staff.

Judicial Administration

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.

Bronx Surrogate Court Judge

Candidates (1)