How Can an Administrator in New Jersey Locate and Verify Potential Heirs When Only Limited Information Is Available?
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: […]
Read article →What notice requirements and procedures apply for notifying creditors in probate in New Jersey?
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on any specific probate matter. Detailed Answer In New Jersey, executors and administrators must follow statutory and court-rule procedures when notifying creditors—including medical debt collectors—of an estate’s administration. Proper notice protects the estate from […]
Read article →How Can a Potential Heir Be Appointed as Administrator in New Jersey When the Decedent Left No Will?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer In New Jersey, when a person dies without a will (intestate), the Surrogate’s Court appoints an administrator to manage the estate. A potential heir—such as a relative entitled under the intestacy rules—can petition to be appointed if no one with […]
Read article →What Documentation is Needed to Freeze a Decedent’s Bank Accounts When Co-Heirs Refuse to Cooperate in NJ
Detailed Answer When a New Jersey resident dies owning one or more bank accounts, an executor or administrator must secure those funds to protect the estate. If co-heirs refuse to cooperate, you cannot rely on a joint signature. Instead, you need formal court documents issued by the Surrogate’s Court. 1. Letters Testamentary or Letters of […]
Read article →How are real property and personal assets identified, inventoried, and distributed under intestacy law in NJ?
Introduction When someone dies without a will in New Jersey, their property—both real and personal—passes under intestacy rules. This article explains how to identify assets, inventory them, and distribute them to heirs under New Jersey law. Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance. Detailed Answer 1. Identifying Real Property […]
Read article →What Type of Deed Should Heirs Sign to Convey Their Interests in Property in New Jersey, and How Is It Recorded?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer When heirs inherit real estate in New Jersey—whether via a will or by intestacy—the most common way to transfer their interests is through a quitclaim deed or an executor’s […]
Read article →How Can a Client Verify Creditor Notice Requirements Were Met in the Original New Jersey Estate to Rely on the Two-Year Rule?
Detailed Answer Under New Jersey law, a personal representative must provide notice to creditors after being appointed. If notice complies with statute, creditors have two years from the decedent’s date of death to present their claims. That two-year deadline (often called the “two-year rule”) hinges on proper notice under N.J.S.A. 3B:18-1 and 3B:18-2. 1. Understand […]
Read article →Should a Personal Representative Open an Estate Account to Handle the Money of the Estate in New Jersey?
Detailed Answer When a personal representative handles estate funds, opening a dedicated estate bank account is critical. Keeping estate money separate from personal funds prevents commingling, simplifies accounting, and protects you from personal liability. Why Open a Separate Estate Bank Account? Prevents commingling: Maintains clear boundaries between personal and estate assets. Ensures accurate records: Facilitates […]
Read article →What Steps Are Needed to Bring Real Property Into the Estate to Pay Claims of the Estate in New Jersey?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer: Bringing Real Property into the Estate in New Jersey When a decedent owns real estate in New Jersey, the property does not automatically convert to cash to pay […]
Read article →Can I Seek Reimbursement from the Estate for Paying the Funeral Bill in New Jersey?
Detailed Answer If you paid funeral expenses for someone who passed away in New Jersey, you generally have the right to seek reimbursement from the decedent’s estate. New Jersey law treats reasonable funeral and burial costs as a priority claim against the estate. That means these expenses must be paid before most other unsecured debts. […]
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