Essex County Surrogate’s Court – Newark, NJ

Essex County Surrogate’s Court

The Essex County Surrogate’s Court, located in the Hall of Records at 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, is a constitutionally established court responsible for the administration of estates and the protection of minors and incapacitated persons. The Surrogate, an elected constitutional officer, serves as both the Judge of the Surrogate’s Court and the Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part. This office is the first point of contact for families dealing with the legal affairs of a deceased loved one.

Probate and Estate Services

• Probate of Wills: Validation of Last Will and Testaments and the issuance of Letters Testamentary to executors, authorizing them to manage the estate.
• Administration: Appointment of administrators for estates where the decedent died without a will (intestate), ensuring assets are distributed according to law.
• Small Estates: Simplified processing for estates with limited assets, allowing for a more streamlined transfer of property to surviving spouses or next of kin.

Guardianship and Adoption

• Guardianship of Minors: Management of funds awarded to minors through settlements or inheritances, held in the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund until majority.
• Adoptions: Maintenance of all adoption records for the county and scheduling of adoption hearings in the Superior Court.
• Adult Guardianship: Processing of applications for the appointment of guardians for incapacitated adults who can no longer manage their own affairs.

The Surrogate’s Court also assists with searches for estate records. While staff can guide applicants through the filing process, they cannot provide legal advice. Valid identification and original documents (such as death certificates) are typically required for all proceedings.