Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Condolences on your loss.

Her estate has to be administered. This is done at the Surrogates Office in the County where she resided at the time of her death. If she had a Will, take an original death certificate and the original will to that office to begin the process. If she did not have a Will, take just the death certificate along. The people at the Surrogates Office are usually helpful in completing the application forms for you to get Letters issued to you as Personal Representative of the Estate. Then, depending on what needs to be done, you may be able to go ahead on your own or you may want to consult a local estates lawyer to guide you.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.