Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Re: Probating a will...

Presuming what you have is an original document, properly witnessed, it can be probated in lieu of the temporary administration, but you will need one of the original witnesses to verify its authenticity and proper execution in compliance with NJ law. The situation is complicated by the temporary administration (you did not say when or how long ago this was done), and it may actually require a Surrogate's Court proceeding to straighten this out, since the administration was applied for before the Will has been presented for probate. I suggest talking to the Surrogate before you do anything to ascertain just what may be required and how to proceed. Understand that the more time that passes and what the temporary administration permits (this can range from merely getting the facts of the estate, paying bills, etc., through actually allowing assets to be distributed following the intestate laws (those that discuss how the estate of a person dying without a Will gets distributed), can make this even more complicated. I also suggest that you retain an attorney familiar with these matters to assist you, and act quickly.