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Morris County Surrogate Office

Published on July 30, 2024

Probating a Will

You can probate a will or administer an estate electronically.

If you prefer to meet with a staff member, you can book your in-person appointment online!

File Online Book In- Person Mail

A surrogate is a judicial officer, elected by the people,

having jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the administration of estates, and more. Heather Darling

Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq., was first elected to serve the residents of Morris County in 2019. Each term of office is five years. The full title of the office is “Judge of the Surrogate Court.”

What is Surrogate Court?

The function of the Judge of the Morris County Surrogate Court includes:

administering wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts for Morris County residents
serving as clerk of the Superior Court
assisting activities ranging from adoptions to incompetency matters
managing the Minors’ Intermingled Trust Fund and holding, as custodian, approximately $25 million in that fund for Morris County minors

While the Surrogate’s Court is technologically up to date, microfilm read-printers are available for reading or reproducing original wills and other relevant probate documents.

Learn More

Latest News

Videos

60 Seconds With Heather- What happens when you pass away without a will leaving a spouse, no children, and a surviving parent

60 Seconds With Heather- What happens when you pass away without a will leaving a spouse, no children, and a surviving parent

60 Seconds With Heather- How to contact the Morris County Surrogate's Court

How to contact the Morris County Surrogate's Court

60 Seconds With Heather- Surrogate's role in matters of guardianship and adoption

Surrogate's role in matters of guardianship and adoption

60 Seconds With Heather- Surrogate's Court can not give legal advice and can only work with those having standing

Surrogate's Court can not give legal advice and can only work with those having standing

August 18 "Surrogate Session:" Simple Steps to Make Your Will

Learn how to make a will:

May 20 "Surrogate Session:" Introduction to eProbate for Attorneys

Watch this overview of eProbate:

March 19 "Surrogate Session:" Navigate the Process of Adoption

Learn how to navigate the process of adoption:

February 25 "Surrogate Session:" What to know about Trusts and Estate Planning

Learn all about What to know about Trusts and Estate Planning - watch this latest Surrogate Session:

November 13 “Surrogate Session:” National Alzheimer’s Disease and Family Care Givers Month

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling dedicated her monthly Surrogate’s Session to how to help people burdened by Alzheimer’s and offer caregivers and families access to resources that may offer peace of mind. Watch the recording below:

October 23 “Surrogate Session:” What Should an Executor Know

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling continued the series of virtual “Surrogate’s Sessions” she launched in September, with the second session on October 23 entitled, “What should an Executor Know.”

September 24 “Surrogate Session:” Drafting a Will

The Surrogate Sessions are designed to provide Morris County residents with information on pertinent topics related to wills, estates, trusts, and probate matters. They will also detail improvements in Surrogate’s Office procedures that are making it easier for clients to get their issues handled.

Watch the Surrogate Session from September 24: