Probate & Estate Administration in New Jersey

When a loved one passes away, navigating the legal and financial aftermath can feel overwhelming. Our firm helps clients throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey manage probate and estate administration with clarity, compassion, and care.


Whether you're an executor named in a will or a family member unsure where to start, our New Jersey probate lawyer is here to guide you through each step.

Understanding Probate in NJ

Probate is the legal process used to validate a will and authorize the administration of a deceased person’s estate. In New Jersey, this process is handled through the county Surrogate’s Court—for families in towns like Englewood, Tenafly, or Hackensack, that means the Bergen County Surrogate’s Court.


If there’s a valid will, the court issues Letters Testamentary, giving the named executor legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. If there’s no will, a close family member can apply to be appointed as administrator.


Not every asset goes through probate—some, like jointly owned property or accounts with named beneficiaries, may pass automatically. But most estates will involve some probate process, and that’s where experienced guidance can make a major difference.

Executor Duties & Why They’re So Important

If you’ve been named the executor or personal representative of an estate, you have a legal responsibility to:


  • Gather and inventory the deceased’s assets
  • Open the estate account and manage funds
  • Pay outstanding debts and taxes
  • Distribute assets to beneficiaries
  • Keep records and report to the court when required


This can be complex and time-consuming—especially while you're still grieving. And mistakes, even unintentional ones, can create delays or legal issues. That’s why many executors turn to a probate attorney in Englewood or greater Bergen County for help navigating this process.

How We Help Families Through Probate

We assist executors, administrators, and family members with:


  • Preparing and filing probate petitions with the local Surrogate’s Court
  • Gathering and valuing estate assets
  • Handling debts, taxes, and creditor notifications
  • Managing distributions and final accountings
  • Addressing will contests, disputes, or missing documents
  • Advising on New Jersey probate timelines and responsibilities


Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether it’s a small estate with a simple will or a more complex estate with real estate, businesses, or potential disputes, we bring calm, capable support when families need it most.

What Happens When There’s No Will?

If your loved one died without a will, their estate is considered intestate. That means New Jersey’s intestacy laws determine who inherits—and someone must apply to be appointed as administrator.


We help families in this situation as well, guiding you through:


  • Filing for administration in probate court
  • Understanding who is legally entitled to serve
  • Distributing assets according to NJ law
  • Handling any potential conflicts or missing information


This process may look different from probate with a will, but it still requires care, documentation, and court approval. We’re here to help make it manageable.

Tips for a Smoother Probate Process

A few steps can go a long way in avoiding common probate pitfalls:


  • Order multiple certified copies of the death certificate early
  • Don’t distribute any assets until all debts and taxes are handled
  • Keep detailed records of all estate transactions
  • Consult an attorney before filing or distributing—getting it right matters

Start with a Conversation

If you’ve been named as an executor, lost a loved one, or simply aren’t sure where to begin, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact our probate attorney in New Jersey to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your role, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with clarity and confidence.