Detailed Answer

As an administrator of an estate in New Jersey, you must locate and verify all potential heirs before distributing assets. New Jersey law (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 3B:3-11) requires you to notify known heirs in writing and publish notice for unknown heirs.

1. Review Decedent’s Personal Records

Start by gathering the decedent’s documents: a will, tax returns, life insurance policies, safe deposit records, address books and old correspondence. These often list family members or beneficiaries.

2. Search Government and Public Records

Use official repositories to find birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates. Request records from the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics (nj.gov/health/vital). Check county Surrogate Court filings for adoption or name‐change records.

3. Examine Property, Probate and Court Files

Search county clerk and Surrogate Court archives. Deeds, mortgages and previous probate estates sometimes name next of kin or co‐owners related by blood or marriage.

4. Publish Notice to Unknown Heirs

Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 3B:3-11(b)(4), publish a notice once in a newspaper of general circulation where the decedent lived. Wait at least four weeks, then file proof of publication with the Surrogate Court. This step alerts heirs who aren’t personally known.

5. Use Genealogical and Commercial Databases

Access online resources like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and the Social Security Death Index. Cross-reference census data, military records and obituaries. Private heir‐locator services and professional genealogists can uncover hard-to-find relatives.

6. Verify Relationships with Certified Documents

Once you identify potential heirs, request certified copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates to confirm family ties. For out-of-state or foreign records, obtain apostilles or notarized translations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified New Jersey attorney for advice tailored to your situation.

Helpful Hints

• Keep a written log of all searches, calls and correspondence.
• Store digital and hard-copy records in a secure case file.
• Track deadlines closely: written notice must go out within four months (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 3B:3-11).
• Check obituary archives and social media for leads.
• Consider a court‐appointed genealogist if common methods yield no results.