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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The Monmouth County Surrogate’s Office
Main Office
Monmouth County Surrogate Court
Hall of Records
1 East Main St.
Freehold, NJ 07728
Phone: (732) 431-7330
Fax: (732) 431-7656 Office is open Monday through Friday except for
holidays.
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (No appointments
accepted; walk-ins only) Please arrive before 3:30 p.m. to give the staff time
to meet with you
What to Bring - The certified death certificate
- The original will with codicils (if there is a
will)
Codicils - supporting documents to your last will and testament - Decedent information Sheet (link) – can be
completed ahead of time or once you arrive in the office.
- A check or credit card for payment
If you have any questions, please feel free to email surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us or
call (732) 431-7330.
Satellite OfficesOur two Satellite offices located in Middletown and
Neptune are by appointment only. Please call for an appointment at the numbers listed below
or email us at surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us.
Monmouth County Library - Eastern Branch
1001 Route 35
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
Second Wednesday of the month
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
732-431-7330 ext. 7336
Monmouth County Connection
3544 State Highway 66
Neptune, NJ 07753
Third Thursday of the month
10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
732-431-7330 ext. 5767
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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. 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, 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, bond 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 general 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
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.
Detailed list of services and fees:
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.