Detailed Answer
In New Jersey, different offices handle estate administration and unclaimed property claims. Understanding which office to approach streamlines the process and helps you comply with state requirements.
Estate Administration
The County Surrogate Office oversees probate and estate matters. Each of New Jerseys 21 counties elects a Surrogate who handles:
- Probate of wills and granting letters testamentary or of administration
- Appointment of guardians for minors and incapacitated adults
- Estate accountings and final distributions
Key statute: N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1 et seq.
How to proceed:
- Locate your County Surrogate Office via the New Jersey Courts website (njcourts.gov).
- File a probate petition with the county clerk or surrogates office.
- Submit the original will, death certificate, and any required filing fees.
- Attend any scheduled hearings or conferences.
Unclaimed Property Claims
The New Jersey Division of Unclaimed Property, part of the Department of the Treasury, handles property abandoned by its rightful owner for three years or longer. Common unclaimed items include:
- Bank accounts
- Insurance benefits
- Securities and dividends
Key statute: N.J.S.A. 46:30B-1 et seq.
How to proceed:
- Visit the NJ Unclaimed Property website.
- Search the database by name.
- Submit a claim online or by mail, including proof of ownership.
- Track your claim status through the portal.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Helpful Hints
- Verify you have the decedents full legal name and date of death before contacting the Surrogates Office.
- Check filing fee schedules in advance; rates vary by county and estate size.
- Use the NJ Treasurys official site to avoid third-party processing fees when claiming unclaimed property.
- Collect supporting documents such as letters testamentary, death certificates, and identification to speed up processing.
- Consult the relevant statute online to ensure you meet deadlines: probate (N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq.) and unclaimed property (N.J.S.A. 46:30B-1 et seq.).