Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

If the deceased resided in NJ, the estate must be opened by applying for probate in the Surrogate's Office for the county where the deceased resided. If If the deceased resided in PA, the estate must be opened by applying for probate in the Office of the Register of Wills for the county where the deceased resided.

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.

Not to be rude, but you directed your question to Pennsylvania attorneys, not New Jersey probate attorneys. If the short certificate in New Jersey is akin to that in Pennsylvania, you need to contact the Surrogate's Court (that it the name of the New Jersey probate court) in the county where the estate is pending. Only the executor of the estate can get it. I have no idea what the New Jersey court charges for it.

Your best bet would be to contact a New Jersey probate attorney for assistance in administering the estate.

Here is a definition of a short certificate:

What is a Surrogate�s (Short) Certificate?

This is a legal document issued by the surrogate�s office that the Executor or Executrix or Personal Representative uses as proof of his authority to transfer or sell assets of the deceased.

A death certificate is something else - that will not suffice to be able to collect assets.