Three decades ago, the Queens Surrogate’s Court was a frequent topic of local investigative reporting. It was widely covered as a patronage hub, where loyalty to the Queens Democratic Party paid off in lucrative case appointments.

It’s received far less attention in recent years — but many of the same dynamics persist. Two recent cases allege that surrogate judge Peter J. Kelly, who has run the court for the past 14 years, has slanted case proceedings to suit a Queens Democratic Party patron — including in a battle over a $330 million fortune.

Yesterday, New York Focus published an investigation that detailed the history of the Queens political machine, its grip on the court system, and the 23-year-old taking on Queens royalty.

Here are five takeaways.

For 15 years, the Queens Supreme Courthouse has worn its decay openly. Its limestone facade crumbles bit by bit, a net dropped over its Corinthian columns catching what the building can no longer hold together.

Inside, the Queens Surrogate’s Court — where the dead’s money determines the living’s fortunes — operates under its own type of slow collapse, according to allegations lodged in two recent court cases.