Wills & Estates

We understand that the circumstances following the death of a family member can be difficult. We want to make this transition as smooth and as accessible as possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Wills

A Will is a legal document containing instructions as to what should be done with an individual’s money and property after their death. Every Will that is enacted in Essex County must first be validated—which is formally referred to as probating—by our office, so that the executor—the person responsible for carrying out the Will—has the legal right to fulfill their duties.

Overview of Cost

These prices are general and may not cover the extent of your situation. Visit our office to learn more about the pricing and costs associated with these processes.

  • Probate a Will (2 pages or less)
    $100.00
    • Each Additional Page
      $5.00
  • Child Support Verification
    $5.00
  • First Short Certificate
    Free
    • Each Additional Short Certificate
      $5.00
  • 1 Page Codicil
    $25.00
    • Each Additional Codicil Page
      $5.00
  • Renunciation
    $5.00
  • Co-Executors
    $15.00

Forms

If you have any questions about which forms are needed for your situation, please call or visit us at our office.

Probate

General Probate is the legal process whereby a Will is “proved” in a court and accepted to be the true and last testament of the deceased as a valid public document. The granting of probate is the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, resolving all claims, and distributing the deceased person’s property under a will.

Trusts

A testamentary trust is a legal arrangement created in an individual’s Will that transfers assets to a trust to be managed by a trustee for a beneficiary named in the Will.

Miscellaneous

New Jersey Judiciary Records Request Form

Administration

If a person dies without a Will, a situation described as intestate, our office is responsible for appointing someone to manage the deceased’s property and/or money. The lack of a Will can have significant negative consequences for families during an already stressful and painful time. This is why we encourage Essex County residents to have a Will in place. While our office cannot provide legal advice, we can assist you and educate you on effective estate administration.

Overview of Cost

These prices are general and may not cover the extent of your situation. Visit our office to learn more about the pricing and costs associated with these processes.

Basic Cost of Administration

  • Application
    $125.00

    • This price includes the preparation, execution, indexing, and filing of many forms and documents related to this process. For a full description of what is included, please call or visit us in the office.
      Additional Documents: $5.00 per page

  • Child Support Verification
    $5.00
  • Affidavit
    $5.00
  • Certificates
    $5.00 each
  • Renunciation
    $5.00
  • Surviving Spouse Affidavit Starting Rate
    $65.00
  • Next of Kin Affidavit Starting Rate
    $65.00
  • Administration ad prosequendum
    $50.00
  • Exemplifying Administration
    $75.00
  • Certified Copy of Administration
    $50.00

Forms

If you have any questions about which forms are needed for your situation, please call or visit us at our office.

Administration

General administration is used when a resident of New Jersey dies intestate, which means lacking a Will. The Surrogate has the authority to appoint an administrator of an estate. If you are appointed administrator, you are responsible for the estate and may be required to post a surety bond, which is a contract that protects the heirs and creditors of the estate and is based on the amount of assets.