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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By Mail or in office Since you are sending original documents to the Office,
please consider using a secure mail service that allows you to track what you’ve
sent such as USPS-certified, Federal Express, UPS, etc.
Please fill out the Descendent Information Form and
send or present in office to:
Monmouth County Surrogate Court
Hall of Records
1 East Main St.
Freehold, NJ 07728 Along with: · Certified copy of the death certificate and,
· Original will with any Codicils (supporting documents to the last will and testament)
Once your information is received, the Office will contact
you to discuss the next the in the process.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us or
call (732) 431-7330.
Reminder: Please remember to include a telephone number,
email address and street address on the information sheet.
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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: LINK TO BE ADDED LATER
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.