This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
The probate process is initiated with the presenting of the original Will together with a certified copy of the death certificate and list of heirs at law to the Surrogate by the named executor.
The Process of Probating a Last Will The Executor named in the Will must file a Complaint in Superior Court asking the Probate Judge to issue an order permitting the probate of the Will's copy. In support of the application, the named Executor must explain what efforts he or she made to locate the original Will.
In New Jersey, the executor must file the original will for probate with the Surrogate of the county in which the decedent resided at the time of his or her death. Only an original Will can be admitted to probate without involving a judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey.
Handling probate without the assistance of an attorney comes with several risks. One significant risk is not being familiar with all the legal requirements and deadlines associated with the probate process.
The Surrogate's Court will issue Short Certificates (Letters Testamentary) to the executor, which the executor will use to obtain access to the decedent's estate assets. The executor will then distribute the assets pursuant to the terms of the will.
Letters Testamentary will usually be issued to the executor during the executor's initial meeting with the surrogate. During that meeting the executor must be prepared to give the names, addresses, and relationship to the decedent, of the beneficiaries named in the Will.
“Next of kin” as used in the New Jersey probate statutes does not merely mean the closest relatives of the decedent, but all of decedent's relatives entitled under the statute of descent and distribution to share in the decedent's estate. In re Estate of Mellet, 108 N.J. Super. 181.
Defendants must file a written answer to the complaint within 35 days of the date shown on the summons.