Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Re: copy of a will

If there was a Will and it was probated, you can obtain a copy of the Will at the Surrogate's office in the county where the person resided at the time of his/her death. You do not have to be a relative of the decedent to see the Will, because once a Will is probated, it is a public record.

Re: copy of a will

Jon is correct that once probated, a Will is a public document that anyone can see. Call the Essex County Surrogate to see if the Will was probated. If so, for a small fee they will mail you a copy. If no Will was probated, ask if anyone has applied for Administration (probate proceeding where there is no Will). You do not speak about other reslatives. If someone died without a Will, the closest living relative can apply to be appointed Administrator of the Estate. This could be you if the person had no spouse or children or parents. Contact me directly if you need more information.