Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling Sworn-In for Second Term

Published on January 06, 2025

On January 3, 2025, Heather Darling was officially sworn in for her second term as Morris County Surrogate, reaffirming her commitment to serving the residents of Morris County. First elected in 2019, Surrogate Darling has focused on improving accessibility, modernization, and community engagement, driving significant advancements in the Surrogate's Office over the past five years.

Key achievements include technological upgrades that have streamlined operations, such as the implementation of electronic filing and the ability to pay using credit cards. These enhancements provide 24/7 easy access to Morris County services, ensuring residents can engage with the Surrogate's Office conveniently. Additionally, the introduction of 24-hour appointment scheduling and numerous educational sessions have empowered residents with essential knowledge about wills, estate planning, and navigating the Surrogate’s Office.

Looking forward, Surrogate Darling is dedicated to building on these successes with initiatives aimed at further enhancing accessibility, expanding outreach efforts, and ensuring the Surrogate’s Office continues to be a vital resource for all Morris County residents. Reflecting on her tenure, Surrogate Darling stated, "We can make things happen right here at the county level. Just because probate had been done the same way since the 1700s does not mean that it has to continue that way. We changed it!"

Darling also highlighted her team’s invaluable role in these advancements, saying, "The people in our office have the tools they need to do their jobs well, and they come in every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to help people. The whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts." She expressed her gratitude to her team and the residents of Morris County for their trust and support as she embarks on this new chapter, promising, "There will be no stagnation. I'm going to continue to work with my team to improve and innovate so that every person who walks into our office... is going to feel heard, served, and appreciated."

For more information about the Morris County Surrogate’s Office and its services, please visit morrissurrogate.com.