Surrogate's Corner

A Message from the Surrogate

The goal of the Surrogate’s Corner is to educate the public on the services and support the Essex County Surrogate’s Court can offer. From the generational wealth that can accumulate from proper preparation of wills, to adoption and guardianship support, we are here to help you when life changes occur. On this page, you’ll find important updates on our events and initiatives, messages and announcements from the Surrogate, as well as past webinars!

“The Essex County Surrogate’s Court helped us navigate through all of the very tricky laws in order for my brother’s wishes to be fulfilled.”
- Harold Perrineau, award-winning actor and producer

Life changes… Don’t get caught off guard

Announcements & Updates

March 25, 2022

Looking to Their Future: A Developmental Disability Awareness Month Webinar

On March 24, 2022 we hosted a webinar to discuss adult guardianship and options available for children with developmental disabilities aging into adulthood. We were joined by April Fronduto-Slavin, Esq., Special Deputy Surrogate in the Bergen County Surrogate’s Court; and Thomasina R. Thornton, Esq., sole practitioner with primary concentrations in the areas of trust and estate planning, wealth transfers, asset protection, estate tax planning, Estate Administration (Probate), and Guardianships.

Watch this webinar for more information on the process and procedures surrounding adult guardianship.

August 9,2021

National Make-A-Will Month Webinar

On August 8, 2021, we were joined by Harold Perrineau, award-winning actor and star of the Matrix franchise and ABC’s hit show Lost for an informative and impactful National Make-A-Will Month webinar, which discussed the importance of having a will. We were also joined by Judge Bernice Toledo, Passaic County Surrogate, and Crystal W. Edwards Esq., Principal of Porzio Bromberg & Newman P.C.

Watch this webinar to learn about the benefits of proactive will and estate planning.