Petition
Formal request to the Surrogate to open an intestate estate and appoint an administrator.
Using the Surrogate process when there is no will creates a lawful mechanism to identify heirs, appoint an administrator, satisfy creditor claims, and transfer assets under New Jersey intestacy statutes while providing court oversight to minimize disputes.
Typical users include family members, estate representatives, and counsel who must secure authority to manage and distribute assets when a decedent left no will.
These participants coordinate to complete inventory, provide notice, and resolve claims before final distribution under New Jersey law.
Formal request to the Surrogate to open an intestate estate and appoint an administrator.
Certified copy used to prove the decedent's passing and start probate timelines.
Detailed list of surviving relatives with relationships and contact information for notice purposes.
Schedule of assets and approximate values for estate accounting and creditor notice.
Court-issued authority allowing the administrator to collect assets and transact on behalf of the estate.
Final accounting and distributions submitted for court review before closing the estate.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Upload Documents | Convert to PDF/A for stable formatting and archival. |
| Add Signature Fields | Place signer blocks and date fields where required. |
| Authentication Level | Choose email or two-factor authentication for signer identity. |
| Attach Supporting Records | Include certified death certificate and asset statements. |
Use platforms that produce tamper-evident PDFs, maintain audit trails, and support the authentication level acceptable to courts or third parties.
Maintain an unaltered, certified copy for court filings and retain an audit trail showing signer identity, timestamps, and document history.
File the intestate petition as soon as practical after discovery of death to begin administration.
Observed creditor timelines vary by state; begin notice procedures early to limit claims.
Federal estate and income tax deadlines may apply; consult the IRS for return dates.
Surrogates commonly require an asset inventory within a set period after appointment.
Submit final accounting before distribution and closing the estate per court schedule.
Submit petition, death certificate, and proposed administrator information to the Surrogate.
Court issues letters of administration granting authority to act for the estate.
Administrator inventories assets and provides creditor notices as required.
Make distributions per intestacy law and file a final accounting for court approval.
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| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A close relative who petitions the court to be appointed administrator, gathers documents, and acts until the estate is closed; may need to post bond if required.
An attorney representing the estate who prepares petitions, manages notices, files accountings, and advises the administrator on statutory duties and timelines.
A neighbor discovers the decedent and notifies family
A decedent owns a home and accounts but left no will