Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Re: wills-probate laws new jersey

Your question doesn't specify where your relative was domiciled, though the way you asked it suggests New Jersey.

In WA, wills are indeed public record. You can ask the clerk of the county where your relative lived if there is a file under that name, and you can look at anything in the file, including the will.

NJ may have similar laws, or it may not. This is a question you need to ask an attorney in New Jersey, and it is possible there is one on this board.

The will likely will contain a provision appointing a personal representative. The file may refer to the attorney (if any) handling the probate action.

Based on what you asked, you don't need to hire counsel just yet. But do pick up your mail.

Hope this helps. Powell

Re: wills-probate laws new jersey

In almost all states Wills, once probated, are public documents. A simple call to the Surrogate's office in the county where the decedent died should let you know if a Will was probated. If so, a copy can be obtained for a small fee. If you were mentioned and are to receive anything, the Executor should advise you and even send you a copy of the Will. Depending how complicated the estate is, and what needs to be done, you can anticipate that it will be a few monthos or more until everything is completed.