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2013

Sussex County Surrogate Provides Basic Guide for Executors and Administrators

Release Date: April 18, 2013
The emotions of losing a family member or friend can be overwhelming, especially for the person selected to handle the affairs of the deceased. The Surrogate Court will guide you through the necessary procedures with sensitivity, respect and caring.

Basic Guide for Executors and Administrators

Gary R. Chiusano
Gary R. Chiusano
Sussex County Surrogate

(973) 579-0920

The emotions of losing a family member or friend can be overwhelming, especially for the person selected to handle the affairs of the deceased. The Surrogate Court will guide you through the necessary procedure of Probate or Administration with sensitivity, respect and caring.

Functions of the Surrogate Court

  • Probate Wills
  • Appoint Administrators
  • Provide Affidavits of Spouse or Next of Kin
  • Appoint Trustees
  • Appoint Guardians
  • Invest Minors' Trust Funds
  • Process Adoptions
  • Issue Letters of Conservatorship
  • Process Contested Probate Matters
  • Maintain the Surrogate Records from the early 1800's
  • Film and Record All Surrogate & Superior Court Proceedings
  • Aid in Genealogy and Title Research
  • Surrogate Outreach Program

If a Loved One Passes, Where to Start?

Contact:

  • Social Security
  • Employer re: pay, benefits, pension, insurance
  • Veteran's Administration, if deceased was a veteran

Gather:

  • Original Death Certificate
  • Insurance Policies
  • Deed/Lease
  • Bank Accounts
  • Stocks, etc.
  • Credit Cards
  • Loans, etc.
  • Mail
  • Will

If the decedent had a Will and you are named the Executor...

  1. Call the Surrogate Court
  2. You will be asked to complete a worksheet & return it (by mail, fax, or email) to this court with copies of the Will & Death Certificate
  3. Call the Surrogate Court to make an appointment
  4. You will bring original Will & Death Certificate and cash or check for the fee
  5. You will sign documents
  6. Upon final review by the Surrogate, completed documents will be issued

If the decedent did not have a Will and you are one of the next of kin...

  1. Call the Surrogate Court
  2. You will be asked to complete a worksheet and list of assets and list of debts and return them to this court (by mail, fax, or email) with a copy of the Death Certificate
  3. Call the Surrogate Court to make an appointment
  4. You will bring original Death Certificate and cash or check for the fee
  5. You will sign documents
  6. A Bond may be required
  7. Upon final review by the Surrogate, completed documents will be issued

Frequently asked questions (FAQs): What is a Will? Do I need a Will? How do I make a Will?

Surrogate Website

Please Note: This information is issued as a public service by the Sussex County Surrogate and does not constitute legal advice, which can only be given by your attorney. The statements pertain only to the laws of the State of New Jersey.