Probate/Administration of an Estate
Do you need to probate a will or administer an estate? We will help you through the process.
On behalf of the Surrogate's Court, please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We will make every effort to make this process as easy as possible during this most difficult time in your life.
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You can now file online using eFile.
Please read the directions below in their entirety.
Step 1: Review the information below.
The link below will take you to our eFile system,
hosted by third party vendor, County Busines Systems. Make sure you choose "Monmouth County" from
the drop down list. You will then be asked whether there is or is not a Will.
Finally, click on the "Proceed to Data Form" to begin filling out
the online probate form.
eFile is used to Probate a Will or for the
Administration of an Estate.
It is not used for previously filed case or when
requesting additional documents on an already probated estate.
Step 2: Instructions for uploading documents and
required information.
Please have the required documents such as a copy of the
Death Certificate and Will if there is a Will, ready to upload as a PDF file
only. eFile can only be completed by uploading the required documents. In
addition, be sure to have names and addresses of next of kin ready to
enter.
You must present the original Will and certified death
certificate to the Court for probate to be completed.
If you do not have the ability to upload documents when
using online eFile filing, please use a different method to probate your case using the In-Person or By Mail options..
Step 3: Please click below to start the online
eFile process.
Note: You will receive an email confirming your eFile
filing was completed.
Step 4: Completing the process.
Once your online documents are processed, a Probate Clerk
from the Monmouth County Surrogate's Office will contact you.
Reminder
If you have previously filed a probate for this decedent and need additional support, please email surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us or call the Monmouth County Surrogate's Office for assistance at (732) 431-7330.
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Definitions
Probating a will refers to the legal process through which the authenticity of a Last Will and Testament is established. Once probated, a will becomes a permanent part of the County records. If there is not a will, this process is called
administration of an estate.
Documents
During the probate/administration process, you will need to provide:
• A certificated death certificate
• An original will (and any codicils, a document that acts as a supplement to your last will and testament, if applicable)If there is no will, you will need to provide a list of any assets solely in the decedent’s name with no beneficiary named (such as stocks, bonds, bank accounts, automobiles, real estate, etc.)• Identification such as driver’s license or passportIf there is no will, a
Surety Bond – also known as Administration and Executor bonds, or Probate Bonds for the Administrator(s) of the estate – may be required.
This bond generally guarantees that all the estate debts will be satisfied and that the remaining assets will be properly distributed to the appropriate heirs. Bond amounts are determined by the Surrogate’s Court and may range in amount and cost. Amounts are usually based on the value of the estate; other factors may be considered.
Fees
Full List of fees and services, click here.
Fees will be calculated by the Probate Clerk who is assisting you.
• Probating a will: fees start at $100
• Administrating an estate (if there is no will): fees start at $120
We accept credit card, cash or check payment.
Additional fees may include (for example): the number of pages in a Will, the request for additional certificates, Renunciations, Disclaimers, and the number of Executors for an Estate.
The Probate/Administration process cannot be completed until 10 days after the date of death due to New Jersey State Law.
If you need additional help or documents from the Surrogate’s Office, such as Surrogate Certification (a document confirming that the will has been probated and an Executor/Administrator has been appointed) please email us at
surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us or call 732-431-7330.