Elect
Joseph Conte for Bergen County Surrogate

Probate & Wills

The Surrogate’s Court is responsible for determining whether a person’s will is legally valid and for beginning the probate process after someone dies. The court helps establish who is legally authorized to carry out the wishes expressed in the will and provides a legal framework for settling the estate. This can include identifying beneficiaries, addressing questions about the validity of the will, and ensuring that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out according to law. When there is no will, the court helps initiate the process for administering the estate under New Jersey’s intestacy laws.

Administration of Estates

When someone dies, their estate often involves property, bank accounts, investments, debts, taxes, and other financial responsibilities. The Surrogate’s Court helps appoint the appropriate person—typically an executor named in a will or an administrator when there is no will—to manage those responsibilities. The personal representative is responsible for identifying and securing assets, paying legitimate debts and expenses, addressing tax obligations, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the appropriate beneficiaries or heirs. The Surrogate’s Office provides oversight and legal administration to help ensure the process is handled properly and that the interests of beneficiaries are protected.